The Chicago Bulls are back in action with a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Chicago already holds a 1–0 edge in the season series, having earned a two-point win on November 4 as part of a 6–1 start. Fast forward to the day after Christmas, and the Bulls sit at 14–15 but enter the contest riding a four-game winning streak.
Chicago’s recent success isn’t coming out of nowhere. The Bulls have gotten healthy at the perfect time, fielding a roster free of notable injuries and minute restrictions for just the second time this season. They’re in a fortunate spot as they prepare to face a team dealing with nearly the same situation.
Philadelphia faces availability concerns
The 76ers will be without two rotation players—Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford. Oubre has been sidelined for over a month with an LCL sprain. While no clear return timeline has been announced, Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse offered a positive update earlier this week, noting that the 6-foot-8 wing is back on the hardwood, getting in reps.
Nonetheless, the most intriguing development in the City of Brotherly Love is an apparent illness running through the 76ers’ organization. Dominick Barlow, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes are all listed as questionable. In Philadelphia’s most recent contest—a 114–106 loss to the Brooklyn Nets—none of the three suited up, leaving their availability against Chicago in doubt.
The lone other 76er on the injury report is Joel Embiid. The seven-time All-Star has appeared in just 12 of a possible 28 games this season, as he continues to manage persistent knee issues. Embiid suffered a slight hyperextension to his right knee against Brooklyn but finished the game with 27 points and six rebounds. Like the trio of ill Sixers, he’s listed as questionable, though he was spotted at Philadelphia’s morning shootaround—a positive sign for his availability.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery).
Philadelphia 76ers
Out: Kelly Oubre Jr. (Left Knee Sprain), Trendon Watford (Left Adductor Strain).
Questionable: Dominick Barlow (Illness), VJ Edgecombe (Illness), Joel Embiid (Right Knee Injury Management), Quentin Grimes (Illness).