The Chicago Bulls are reverse-peaking at the right time. Will less than two weeks to go until the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, the Bulls have lost six of their last seven games and are 3-7 in their last 10.
The losing streak has dropped Chicago further down the Eastern Conference standings and increased the franchise's lottery odds. If the Bulls' 2025 first-round pick lands outside the top 10, it heads to San Antonio, and Chicago loses out on a significant piece of its potential rebuild.
Couple that with the increasing trade rumors surrounding Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic and Lonzo Ball, and it would behoove the Bulls to continue their losing streak into February.
The only team standing between them and a guaranteed spot out of the East Play-In Tournament comes to the United Center tonight for a crucial matchup that Chicago needs to lose. But who's in and who's out for the Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers?
Joel Embiid out for tonight's game against Bulls
Philly's oft-injured center is still out with swelling in his left knee. After signing Paul George in free agency and pairing him with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers expected to be a title contender. Instead, Philly's 16-27 record puts it two full games behind the Bulls in the conference standings.
Embiid's backup and former Chicago big man Andre Drummond will also miss tonight's game, leaving the Sixers short up front.
Coby White out for tonight's game against 76ers
The Bulls aren't without their own significant injuries, though. Coby White is set to miss his third consecutive game with an ankle knock.
Maybe that's a blessing in disguise, though, as it gives LaVine a chance to continue his torrid shooting and All-Star candidacy. Without their top two big men, Vucevic could shine against the Sixers tonight as well. Both can continue to bump up their value on the trade market.
Full injury report for 76ers at Bulls
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Coby White (ankle); Torrey Craig (knee); Chris Duarte (personal reasons)
Questionable: Ayo Dosunmu (calf)
Philadelphia 76ers
Out: Joel Embiid (knee); Jared McCain (knee); Andre Drummond (toe); Caleb Martin (hip); KJ Martin (foot)