Chicago Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Opening Week

Philadelphia is 6-1 and Chicago allows more points than anyone on this slate, so the big spread writes itself. But the 76ers' best player is a game-time decision with a foot problem, and Chicago's offense, for all its defensive sins, does not stop scoring.

The Matchup

Philadelphia is 6-1, the best record on this slate, and the 76ers have done it with defense, allowing 104.9 points per game while scoring 108.7. Tyrese Maxey has been the engine, Jaylen Brown gives Philadelphia a second two-way star on the wing, and LeBron James, improbable as it still reads, is on this roster and picking his spots. The whole machine, though, still runs best with Joel Embiid in the middle, and Embiid is day-to-day with a right foot problem and a return date of November 2.

Chicago is 1-5, and the defense is the reason. The Bulls allow 129.3 points per game, the worst mark in the league so far, while scoring 113.5 behind Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. Nic Claxton is listed out with a hamstring problem and a return date of November 4, which thins a frontcourt that could not afford it. Jalen Smith is day-to-day with a finger sprain. Chicago went 31-51 last season, so a rough start is not a shock, but the Bulls' games stay watchable because their offense keeps coming.

DraftKings makes Philadelphia an 11.5-point home favorite, with the 76ers at -650 on the moneyline and a total of 238.5, the highest on this slate. That total is a confession about how open this game should be.

Key Factors

Embiid's foot is the first thing to settle. Keep an eye on whether Embiid plays before placing a bet. At full strength he is Chicago's worst nightmare, a scoring center against a team missing its own starting center. If he sits or is limited, Philadelphia's half-court offense loses its anchor, Maxey has to create everything against set defenses, and this spread starts to look two possessions too big.

The pace argument runs the other way from most underdog cases. Chicago does not slow down, Philadelphia will happily run with a team it outclasses, and a total of 238.5 means points in bunches for both sides. High-possession games are where big underdogs live, because the trailing team keeps scoring long after the favorite has stopped pressing. Giddey pushes after every make and miss, and Buzelis and Norman Powell give Chicago enough shooting to answer runs.

None of this makes Chicago good, and the Bulls could easily give up 130 and lose by 15 if Embiid plays his normal minutes and Maxey gets downhill early. The pick rests on the price. An 11.5-point spread asks a favorite with a questionable superstar to win a track meet by a dozen, and Chicago's offense has spent all season making favorites work for exactly that kind of margin.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.