The Philadelphia 76ers (7-2) look to take on The Chicago Bulls (6-2) for the second time this year Saturday night, but this time the Sixers will be entering Bulls territory.
After defeating the Detroit Pistons in Thursday’s matchup, the Sixers will look to keep their 5 game win streak alive by putting the hot Chicago Bulls in their place yet again.
Injury Report
The Sixers were operating on a 8 man rotation Thursday night against the Pistons while the team was plagued with numerous injuries. With Tobias and Isaiah Joe both testing positive for COVID-19, they are required to sit out for at least 10 days.
Danny Green (hamstring) and Furkan Korkmaz (wrist) are still listed as questionable and will most likely remain a game time decision as they did against the Pistons.
Despite numerous injuries and a limited roster, the Sixers have remained steady on a 5 game winning streak. Players like Paul Reed, Georges Niang and Andre Drummond really have stepped up off the bench to apply crucial support to the dwindled Sixers.
No Simmons, No problem
Despite fear that the Sixers could not live up to last season’s first seed expectations without Ben Simmons, the Sixers have managed just fine without the 6’11 point guard, who is still out due to personal reasons.
Simmons no doubt is a gifted player but the Sixers have steadied themselves at the top of the east and are currently first in the NBA in offensive rating and true shooting percentage. Simmons was never a dominant player on the offensive side with a notorious disposition against shooting.
Defense, Defense, Defense
As the saying goes, “Defense wins championships” the Sixers have proven that this applies to regular season games as well. The Bulls are known for their lethal shooting abilities and despite Derozan getting his dues Wednesday night with 37 points, the Sixers defense diminished the Bulls to scoring only 21.9% from the 3 point line.
Matisse Thybulle earned major brownie points for his defense against Zach LaVine. LaVine, despite scoring 27 points, went 11-24 from FG and 2-7 from beyond the arc, all due to the defensive prowess of Matisse Thybulle. LaVine was clearly pressured by Thybulle and the Sixers should look to keep this matchup alive Saturday night as LaVine is known to keep a hot hand.
The Sixers take on the Bulls in Chicago Saturday night at 8:00 PM
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
