76ers vs Bulls Odds, Spread and Picks

• The Philadelphia 76ers travel to the United Center in Chicago to take on the Bulls on February 6, 2022
• The 76ers are listed as 2-point favorites on DraftKings
• Continue reading for 76ers vs Bulls odds, analysis, and pick
  

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The Philadelphia 76ers (31-21) will take on the Bulls, who hold the one-seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 33-19, in Chicago on February 6, 2022. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET.

Both teams are 6-4 in their last 10 games, while the Bulls have a 19-6 record at home and the 76ers are 17-10 on the road.

The Sixers are currently listed as 2-point favorites at DraftKings.

76ers vs Bulls Odds

Odds as of February 6 via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Bulls Injury Concerns

Zach LaVine is listed as questionable for this matchup due to back spasms. If LaVine is unable to suit up, it will put a heavier burden on DeMar DeRozan’s shoulders to carry the team. The Compton native has enjoyed a career resurgence this season with Chicago, and he has been particularly hot as of late, scoring at least 25 points in five of his last six games.

An open midrange shot is like a layup for DeMar@NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan pic.twitter.com/iTL2oJxLFS

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 5, 2022

However, Philadelphia features one of the best perimeter defenders in the league in Matisse Thybulle, who will be free to focus on shutting down DeRozan and forcing somebody else to win the game for the Bulls if LaVine is unable to go. Young point guard Tyrese Maxey has also made strides on the defensive end as well.

Thybully doesn't mess around.

🪙@Cryptocom pic.twitter.com/dVtVQuxhCf

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 3, 2022

Will Embiid Continue His Dominance?

Joel Embiid has had an incredible past two months, averaging 29.2 PPG and 11.2 RBG in the month of December, before following that up by posting averages of 34.0 PPG, 10.8 RBG, and 5.1 APG across 15 games in the month of January. Embiid took home Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors for both months.

step back, Jo. pic.twitter.com/dBu9SjMr8J

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 5, 2022

The Sixers center is playing at an All-World level right now, and he is arguably one of the top three or top five players in the game today. One area where Embiid excels in particular is free throws: He is elite at getting to the free-throw line, averaging 11.1 free throw attempts per game, and Embiid is converting his looks from the charity stripe at an 80.7% rate.

Given his elite ability to draw contact, Embiid should be able to get to the line at least 10 times against a Bulls team that is middle-of-the-pack when it comes to opponent free throw attempts. Nikola Vucevic is a good defender, but elite offense often beats elite defense, particularly late in the game. If Embiid is able to take over this game, the 76ers will have a great chance at walking out of the United Center with a victory.

this sequence.🤌 pic.twitter.com/4kox70xAcg

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 5, 2022

Chicago has a great weapon to counter Embiid, though: Over his past 10 games, DeRozan has averaged 30.9 PPG on 56.1% shooting from the field and 89.9% shooting from the line. DeRozan has also averaged 5.7 RPG and 6.3 APG during this stretch as well. If DeRozan can offset Embiid’s contributions, it will go a long way towards giving Chicago an edge. This is particularly true if LaVine is able to get on the court in any capacity.

Chicago Needs to Take More Threes

The Bulls come into this game ranked third in the NBA in three point percentage, converting their looks from deep at a rate of 37.4%. However, they are last in volume, only attempting 30.1 threes per game. The Bulls can make their shots from deep when they take them, but if they can attempt at least 35 threes in this game, it will go a long way towards earning a win and extending their lead in the Eastern Conference standings.

76ers vs Bulls Pick

I’m backing the Sixers in this game. Despite the best efforts of DeRozan, Embiid will outplay the Bulls star and some of Philly’s role players will step up. Maxey in particular has elevated his game, putting up 18 and 22 points in his last two outings with Embiid on the court as the two grow more comfortable playing together. Thybulle will frustrate DeRozan and/or LaVine, Seth Curry and Tobias Harris will contribute offensively and Danny Green has a knack for converting timely triples even when he is otherwise struggling.

hit 'em with the Texas two-step. pic.twitter.com/5jZNfx1PLm

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 5, 2022

Philly is elite on the road, and they will have the best player on the court in Embiid. I am backing the Sixers in this matchup,  and I am all the more confident in this pick if LaVine doesn’t play.

The pick: Philadelphia 76ers moneyline -125 (2u)