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Sixers vs. Bulls Prediction and Odds (Back Chicago to Pull Off the Upset at Home)

By Ben Heisler

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid defends against Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic in the high post.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid defends against Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic in the high post. / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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Only two games separate the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls from the top of the Eastern Conference, and fifth place. The Sixers will look to close that gap when they head to Chicago to face the Bulls at 2:30 pm CT this afternoon.

Right now, the Bulls, despite key losses in their backcourt due to injury, remain at the top of the Eastern Conference at 33-19. The Sixers, after winning five straight have lost their last two games.

Here are the latest odds for today's matinee courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook:

Sixers vs. Bulls Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Sixers -2
  • Bulls +2

Moneyline:

  • Sixers -135
  • Bulls +112

Total:

  • 220 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Sixers vs. Bulls Prediction and Pick

My initial lean is to back the total and go OVER 220 at the United Center.

The Bulls' team defense has been a mess without Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso in the lineup, falling all the way to 20th in defensive rating while giving up an average of 113 PPG to their opponents over their last 10.

Also, via Covers, the Sixers are 8-2 in OVERS against teams with winning records over their last 10 games. Joel Embiid vs. Nikola Vucevic inside should be a terrific battle, as both players have been outstanding over their last 10 games, including Vucevic who did something Friday that no Bull has done since the greatest Bull of all-time.

However, since opening at 217.5, the line has moved a full two-and-a-half points at WynnBET. It stinks that we missed the early move, but I still believe it's the play, considering the consensus line is actually higher at 220.5, and even 221 at some books.

I would have more conviction on the Bulls to get it done at home, but Zach LaVine is out with back spasms and remains questionable for today. With sportsbooks incentivizing the public to take the team with the better record at home as an underdog, I'm fairly skeptical we'll see LaVine rush to come back for this one.

I wouldn't bet the number past 220.5, so jump in while you still have the decent total on the board.

LEAN: OVER 220 (-110)

Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting picks in real-time HERE!

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