Philadelphia 76ers vs Chicago Bulls 3 November 2026 Prediction

Philadelphia entered the season as one of the Eastern Conference favorites and has lived up to that billing so far. Chicago, meanwhile, has lost four straight. Can the Bulls avoid a fifth consecutive loss?

The 76ers Are Among the East's Leaders

Philadelphia has a strong starting five and a championship-winning manager in Nick Nurse. Depth matters, though, particularly with Embiid's injury history and LeBron James now 41. The 76ers beat the Hornets 109-104 on the road without either player in their last game. They trailed by 13 in the first quarter and by eight in the fourth, but Maxey scored 38 points.

Philadelphia is 6-1, with its only loss coming at home to Detroit, 106-93. James has helped the offense move the ball, and the 76ers lead the league in fewest turnovers per game at 12.7. Maxey is averaging nearly 30 points on 48.6% shooting. Brown, James, and Embiid are each shooting below 44% from the field.

Philadelphia Predicted Lineup: Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown, James, Embiid

Other roster players: Guards: Rupert, Philon Jr., Caldwell-Pope, Simons, Love; forwards: Wade, Edwards, Bona, Walker; center: Fall

Out: Barlow and Hukporti (injuries)

Manager: Nick Nurse

Chicago's Slow Start Under Splitter

The Bulls are unlikely to expect an immediate turnaround under Tiago Splitter. Last season, he took over the Trail Blazers following Chauncey Billups' suspension and led them to a 42-40 record. In Chicago, Splitter has prioritized evaluating younger players and has been slow to give Williams, who has a three-year, $54 million contract, playing time. The Bulls have lost five of their first six games.

Their only win came against Milwaukee after Antetokounmpo's departure, 132-125. Chicago is among the league's worst teams in turnovers per game (17.7) and field-goal percentage (41.4%). Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 pick in the most recent draft, leads the team with 21.1 points per game.

Chicago Predicted Lineup: Giddey, Powell, Wilson, Buzelis, Smith

Other roster players: Guards: Hield, Hawkins, Sellers, Jones; forwards: Okoro, Essengue, Swain, Miller, Awaka, Williams; center: Collins

Out: Claxton (injury)

Manager: Tiago Splitter

Head-to-Head Results

Chicago won the teams' first two meetings last season, 113-111 and 109-102, before Philadelphia won 157-137 in March 2026.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Chicago Bulls Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers Handicap -12.5

Main prediction: Philadelphia is shooting just 44.1% from the field, one of the league's lowest marks, but has still found ways to win. With its stars expected to play, the 76ers should have enough to cover against Chicago. Three of the Bulls' five losses have come by at least 14 points. Take Philadelphia -12.5 at 1.97.

Totals prediction: Chicago is allowing nearly 130 points per game, the most in the league. Philadelphia, however, has scored 114 or fewer in five of its last six games and can win without playing at a fast pace. The 76ers have won four of five games while scoring no more than 114 points. Consider Philadelphia team total under 125.5 at 1.89.