Game Preview: Sixers host Bulls tonight looking to improve to 7-1

The Sixers return home Monday night to face the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena, with tip set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

The Sixers are 6-1 and own the best record in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls are 1-5 and have lost four in a row. On paper, this is a mismatch, and the oddsmakers agree.

>> Shop 76ers Gear Here

Sixers vs. Bulls: Where Things Stand

The Sixers beat the Hornets 109-104 on Saturday for their third straight win. Maxey scored a game-high 38 points on 13 for 23 shooting.

Chicago lost 125-111 at Boston on Friday. Rookie forward Caleb Wilson led the Bulls with 23 points and made six threes.

The Bulls won last season’s series 2-1. Both of those wins came in Chicago.

76ers Injury Report and Probable Lineups

The Sixers have an injury report for tomorrow's game vs. Chicago:

Joel Embiid – foot management – QUESTIONABLE

Dominick Barlow – back – OUT

— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) November 1, 2026

Embiid is listed as questionable with right foot plantar fascia injury management. Barlow (low back stress reaction) and Hukporti (right Achilles tear) are both out.

Chicago is likely without Nic Claxton, who is doubtful with a left hamstring strain. Jalen Smith (left finger sprain) and Tobe Awaka (left ankle sprain) are probable.

Probable starters for the Sixers: Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Embiid. If Embiid sits, the Sixers lose their starting center in a game where Chicago may be missing Claxton.

Probable starters for the Bulls: Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and Smith.

Sixers vs. Bulls Odds and Pick

FanDuel has the 76ers at -550 on the moneyline and the Bulls at +410. The spread is Sixers -11.5, and the total is 239.5.

The spread is the interesting number. The Sixers are 4-3 against the spread this season and 0-2 as a favorite of seven points or more. They have scored 114 points or fewer in four straight games. The Bulls have covered in both of their last two games as an underdog, and they covered a 14.5-point line against Boston on Friday.

The total is a different story. The 76ers have allowed 109 points or fewer in all but one game, and they are 2-5 on overs. Chicago ranks 25th in offensive rating. Sportsbook Wire likes the Bulls +11.5 and the under 239.5, and projects a 118-109 Sixers win. Bet responsibly. 21+.

What the Sixers Need Tonight

The 76ers should win this game. The only open question is how they do it.

They have been winning games by coming from behind. That works until it doesn’t. A team 6-1 against a 1-5 opponent at home should not need a rally. The goal tonight is a complete 48 minutes.

The schedule makes it matter. After tonight, the 76ers go to Detroit on Wednesday, Cleveland on Friday for an NBA Cup game, and Chicago on Sunday. They see this same Bulls team again in six days, on the road, where Chicago won twice last season.

Take care of Monday first.