A preview of Wednesday's game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls.
The Philadelphia 76ers (39-33) are taking on the Chicago Bulls (29-42) on Wednesday night at 7 PM ET.
Philadelphia is coming off an expected loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but prior to that, it had won two consecutive games. Those victories came against the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have fallen short in four of their last six matchups, with defeats coming against the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Their only wins in that stretch came over the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets.
Key Matchups:
Paul George vs. Josh Giddey/Matas Buzelis
This game marks George's return from suspension, but the hope is he won't need to shake off any rust. Giddey and Buzelis are Chicago's top scorers, so chances are coach Nick Nurse will have George defending one of them right out of the gates. His defensive prowess has been greatly missed, and it's time for George to prove he's still an elite defender by shutting down one of the Bulls' best.
76ers guards vs. Collin Sexton
Sexton is one of the NBA's most tenacious backcourt defenders, so V.J. Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes (questionable), and company will have their hands full. Edgecombe and Grimes have been dominating in recent games, so the hope is that trend continues even with Sexton pestering them throughout the night.
Injury Report:
76ers
Johni Broome: Out - Right Knee; Surgery Recovery
Joel Embiid: Questionable - Right Oblique; Strain
Quentin Grimes: Questionable - Illness
Tyrese Martin: Doubtful - G League; Two-Way
Tyrese Maxey: Out - Right Finger; Tendon Strain
Kelly Oubre Jr.: Out - Left Elbow; Sprain
Bulls
Zach Collins: Out - Right 1st Toe; Surgery
Noa Essengue: Out - Left Shoulder; Surgery
Jaden Ivey: Out - Left Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Yuki Kawamura: Out - G League; Two-Way
Mac McClung: Out - G League; Two-Way
Isaac Okoro: Doubtful - Right Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Anfernee Simons: Doubtful - Left Ulnar Styloid; Fracture
Guerschon Yabusele: Doubtful - Left Ankle; Sprain
How Each Team Can Emerge Victorious:
76ers
Joel Embiid plays OR George takes over in his return with strong support from Edgecombe and company.
Bulls
Limit the 76ers' stars while Giddey runs the show on offense.
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