Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 6:30 PM CT / 7:30 PM ET | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia | NBA League Pass (national); NBC Sports Philadelphia locally
I picked the Knicks to beat us on Wednesday, 113-108. They won 133-127, so I had the winner and missed the total by about 40 points. Jalen Brunson scored 38 with seven assists in a come-from-behind win, and Friday was no kinder: a 125-111 loss at Boston, with Caleb Wilson scoring 23 for the Bulls in defeat.
That’s four straight losses and a 1-5 record, and now we’re on the road against the best team in the East. This is the kind of game where you hope for a small miracle and settle for competitive.
Game Info: Bulls at 76ers
- Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
- Tip-off: 6:30 PM CT / 7:30 PM ET
- Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia (the Bulls are the road team)
- TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia locally, per The Liberty Line. NBA League Pass shows up as the national option, and I didn’t find a Chicago TV listing, so check CHSN
- Records: Bulls 1-5; 76ers 6-1, the best record in the East
- Odds: FanDuel had the 76ers at -550 and the Bulls at +410 on the moneyline, with a spread of Sixers -11.5 and a total of 239.5
The Bulls: Competing and Losing
It has been a rough week:
- Oct. 28, vs. Knicks (L 133-127): The Knicks came from behind, led by Brunson’s 38 points and 7 assists.
- Oct. 30, at Boston (L 125-111): Wilson led Chicago with 23.
- The pattern: The Bulls have lost five of six, allowed 125-plus in the last three and own the league’s 25th-ranked offensive rating, per The Liberty Line. As of Oct. 28, one stats page listed them at 129.5 points allowed per game, 30th in the league.
The bright spot is that Chicago has covered in its last two games as an underdog, and Wilson is for real as a rookie.
- Injuries: Nic Claxton (left hamstring) is doubtful. Jalen Smith (left finger) and Tobe Awaka (left ankle) are probable. Patrick Williams was questionable last week with an adductor strain, but I couldn’t confirm whether he’s back.
- Probable starters: Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Smith.
- History: Chicago won last season’s series 2-1, with both wins coming in Chicago. The teams meet again in Chicago on Nov. 8.
The 76ers: Hot, With One Big Maybe
Philadelphia is 6-1 and coming off a 109-104 win over Charlotte on Saturday, its third straight, with Tyrese Maxey scoring 38. The roster The Liberty Line lists as probable starters is eye-opening: Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Embiid.
- Embiid is questionable with right foot plantar fascia injury management and sat out Saturday. Heavy notes that both of his earlier missed games came on back-to-backs, and this one isn’t, so he hasn’t been ruled out.
- LeBron James missed the Charlotte game and wasn’t listed on the injury report, per Heavy, so he looks available, but confirm before tip.
- Out: Dominick Barlow (back) and Ariel Hukporti (Achilles).
- The wrinkle: The Sixers are 0-2 as a seven-plus-point favorite this season and have been winning from behind, per The Liberty Line.
The Matchups That Matter
Embiid or no Embiid. If he plays, Chicago has no one with his size and Claxton is doubtful. If he sits, the Bulls have a real chance to stay close, and Philadelphia still has Maxey, Brown and James.
Wilson against Philadelphia’s wings. He’s the best story on the Bulls, and he’ll face a roster with Brown and Edgecombe. I want to see whether he keeps taking the shots that have worked.
Defense and transition. The Bulls have allowed 125-plus in three straight. Maxey scored 38 on Saturday, and Chicago can’t afford to give him easy looks off turnovers.
The Bulls’ bench. Boston’s bench outscored Chicago’s 79-33 earlier in the week. Whoever plays the second unit minutes has to match Philadelphia’s depth.
Free throws. Chicago led the league in attempts early in the season. If the Bulls keep getting to the line, they can hang around even if the shots don’t fall.
What Actually Decides It
The line is 11.5 points, which tells you how the market sees this. Philadelphia is 6-1 with a loaded starting five, and Chicago has the worst defense in the league. One writer projected a 118-109 Sixers win and liked Bulls +11.5 and the Under, and I think that’s about right.
I don’t see Chicago winning outright. But the Sixers have been winning from behind, and the Bulls have covered their last two as underdogs, so a number this big gives them some room. If Embiid sits, I’d bump the Bulls’ chances. I’m taking Philadelphia, with Chicago staying within the number.
My Honest & Final Score Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers 118, Chicago Bulls 108
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