Philadelphia visits Chicago at the United Center on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Local coverage includes NBC Sports Philadelphia and Chicago Sports Network. Philadelphia is favored by 8.5, with a total of 238.5. The Sixers had a rough Friday in Cleveland, but they’ll face a Chicago defense that has given up far more than Cleveland through the first few weeks. See our full NBA picks slate.
Philadelphia Should Have More Room to Attack
The 76ers are 8-2 and 4-1 on the road after Friday’s 119-95 loss at Cleveland. They had beaten Detroit 112-106 two nights earlier. The two results show why I wouldn’t price Philadelphia off the Cleveland game alone. It has already shown it can win on the road when the shots don’t come easily.
Philadelphia entered Friday scoring 111.0 points and allowing 105.2 per game. The Sixers don’t need to play particularly fast to create a margin here. If they get into the paint early in the clock, Chicago will have to bring help and decide which shooter to leave. That should create a cleaner mix of looks than Philadelphia got in Cleveland.
Jaylen Brown scored 20 Friday, VJ Edgecombe added 19 and Tyrese Maxey had 17. None could take over that game, but Chicago still has to account for all three. Maxey’s first step can force the first rotation, and Brown gives the Sixers someone who can attack the next defender. That’s where I expect the matchup to open up.
Chicago Needs Points Before Philadelphia Gets Set
The Bulls are 1-7 overall and 0-2 at home. They’ve been off since Wednesday’s 135-105 loss to New York. That gives Chicago a little more recovery time, but its last two opponents both reached 126, and neither game stayed close at the end.
Chicago has scored 111.6 points and allowed 129.6 per game. Its best route is to get the ball up the floor before Philadelphia can organize. Once the Sixers get set, the Bulls have to create their own advantage against a defense that had allowed only 105.2 per game before Friday. Trading difficult shots for Philadelphia paint touches won’t keep the game close.
Tre Jones led Chicago with 14 points against New York, a sign of how little the Bulls generated on a difficult night. Nic Claxton was listed out in the early matchup snapshot. His absence would leave Chicago with one fewer option to defend the rim and finish possessions when Philadelphia sends a second player to the glass.
76ers vs Bulls Matchup Chart
| Category | Philadelphia | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 8-2 | 1-7 |
| Road or home record | 4-1 road | 0-2 home |
| Points per game through Nov. 5 | 111.0 | 111.6 |
| Points allowed through Nov. 5 | 105.2 | 129.6 |
| Most recent result | Lost 119-95 at Cleveland | Lost 135-105 at New York |
Philadelphia 76ers vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Prediction
Spread Pick: Philadelphia 76ers -8.5
Philadelphia -8.5 is my best bet. Chicago has had trouble stopping teams even when its own offense gets going, and the Sixers have several players who can beat the first defender. The Bulls’ extra rest could matter if they use it to run after misses. I still expect Philadelphia to build a margin once the game settles into half-court possessions.
Total Pick: Under 238.5
Chicago’s defense makes the over easy to see, but the total also needs help from its offense. Philadelphia allowed 106 at Detroit, and I expect it to make Chicago work for points in the half court. A big night from the Sixers’ shooters could erase the cushion on its own. I project Philadelphia 120, Chicago 108.
Final Picks: Philadelphia 76ers -8.5 and Under 238.5.
Completed November 7, 2026. Betting lines and player availability can change before tipoff.