The Philadelphia 76ers met the Chicago Bulls again on Sunday afternoon, less than a week after Philadelphia beat them 126-107. This time, the same matchup carried a different edge: the Sixers were coming off their second loss of the season, while Chicago entered at 1-7 and trying to end a six-game skid.
That is why the injury report mattered so much. Joel Embiid was listed as probable because of plantarfasciitis management, while Adem Bona was ruled out for a second straight game with a cervical spine sprain and Dominick Barlow remained out because of a back injury. On the other side of the court, Nic Claxton was questionable after missing the start of the season with a hamstring strain, Jalen Smith was probable with a left finger sprain, and Tobe Awaka, Zach Collins and Dailyn Swain were all listed out.
The first meeting between these teams showed how quickly one night can reshape the conversation. All five Sixers starters scored in double figures in the earlier win, and three of them topped 20 points. VJ Edgecombe had 21 points on 9-for-12 shooting and 2-for-4 from behind the arc, Tyrese Maxey finished with 26 points and 11 assists, Jaylen Brown added 25 points and 11 rebounds, and LeBron James had 15 points and nine assists.
The Bulls had not played since Wednesday, so their rhythm was a question even before Sunday began. Philadelphia, meanwhile, was trying to steady itself after Friday night’s loss and use the rematch to reset quickly. Whether Joel Embiid actually plays remains the key detail watching the afternoon, because his status is the clearest sign of how much the Sixers are willing to lean into this game while managing his foot.
If Embiid is available, Philadelphia gets the one piece that can change the shape of the night. If he is not, the rematch becomes less about revenge for Monday and more about how the Sixers handle another test without their center fully in the clear.
