Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, March 17 looks like a mismatch on paper. Our ratings give the 76ers about a 83% chance, and the Bulls would need an unusual night to change that.
Why the gap is wide
The Win Meter reads the 76ers 83%, with a projected score of Chicago Bulls 110, Philadelphia 76ers 119. The rating gap is 175 points in favor of the 76ers, and home court and rest add about 101 rating points for the 76ers on top of that.
A reading this high has real meaning, but upsets of this size happen. Nearly one game in 6 like it goes the other way.
Recent form
The Bulls are 1-2 this season and 1-4 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of -17. The 76ers are 3-1 this season and 3-2 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of -3.6.
The Bulls were beaten 135-92 on the road by TOR not long ago.
The 76ers were beaten 144-114 at home by NYK not long ago.
Offense against defense
The Bulls score 114.7 a game and allow 128. The 76ers score 110 and allow 107. Pairing each offense with the other defense points to about 110.9 for the Bulls and 119 for the 76ers, a simple check on the Win Meter's projection.
The Bulls' offense is the stronger unit against the 76ers' defense.
The Bulls have defended better than the 76ers have scored, so the 76ers may need to find offense elsewhere.
Injuries to watch
Out: Nicolas Claxton (CHI), expected back Nov 4, 2026, Patrick Williams (CHI), expected back Oct 28, 2026, Dominick Barlow (PHI), expected back Nov 2, 2026, Ariel Hukporti (PHI), expected back Oct 1, 2027, and Tacko Fall (PHI), expected back Oct 28, 2026.
Day to day or questionable: Noa Essengue (CHI), Jabari Walker (PHI), and Joel Embiid (PHI). Their status can change before tip-off.
The season series
In our records of recent meetings, the Bulls lead 4-3, with the Bulls outscoring the 76ers by an average of 3 points per game. The last meeting was CHI 137, PHI 157.