🏀 Chicago Bulls 122, Philadelphia 76ers 102 – Match Recap & Betting Review
The Chicago Bulls closed out their regular season in style with a commanding 122-102 victory over the struggling Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon. In a game that held no bearing on the standings, Chicago showed why they’ve been one of the most improved teams in the second half of the season — and why they’re a dangerous proposition heading into the play-in tournament.
With the win, Chicago finishes the regular season at 39-43, matching their 2023-24 total and locking in a home game against the Miami Heat in Wednesday’s Eastern Conference Play-In. The Sixers, on the other hand, limp to the finish line at 24-58, officially missing the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.
Starters Rested, Bench Steps Up
Both teams approached the final game with caution. For Chicago, the result had no impact on their No. 9 seeding, so coach Billy Donovan rested Josh Giddey (wrist) and gave limited minutes to key contributors Nikola Vučević, Coby White, and Matas Buzelis, none of whom played more than 20 minutes.
But it didn’t matter — the Bulls’ depth took care of business.
Kevin Huerter was the standout early, pouring in 11 points in the first quarter on a perfect 3-of-3 from deep, and finishing with 18 points in just 16 minutes of action. Talen Horton-Tucker added 17 points, while Jalen Smith posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Eight Bulls scored in double figures as the team shot 46.9% from the field and drained 15 three-pointers on the night.
The Sixers — decimated by injuries throughout the season — leaned heavily on fringe rotation players and two-way contracts. Lonnie Walker IV led all scorers with 31 points, while Jared Butler (19), Adem Bona (16) and Marcus Bagley (10 points, 15 rebounds) gave the home fans something to cheer about.
But after a first-half fightback from Philadelphia that gave them a 56-49 halftime lead, the Bulls came out of the break like a team on a mission.
Game Turned on Third Quarter Blitz
Chicago began the second half with a 23-6 blitz in under five minutes, transforming a 7-point deficit into a 10-point lead. John Collins sparked the run with five quick points, followed by a flurry of buckets from Julian Phillips, Jevon Carter, and Patrick Williams.
By the start of the fourth, the Bulls had taken full control, holding an 86-75 lead. That advantage would balloon to 20 points by midway through the final quarter, with Williams and Smith knocking down threes and Horton-Tucker continuing to bully Philly’s defence.
The Sixers, for all their spirit and flashes of potential, simply couldn’t keep up with Chicago’s ball movement, tempo, or execution.
Betting Takeaways: What Landed?
Our America Bet match preview accurately predicted a Bulls win, citing their strong recent form and the fact they were expected to play their full bench rotation. Here’s how our top tips performed:
✅ Chicago Bulls to Win — ✔ Hit with ease, as expected
✅ Total Points Over 215.5 — ✔ Hit comfortably (final total: 224)
✅ Bulls -6.5 Handicap — ✔ Bulls won by 20
❌ Nikola Vučević Over 10.5 Rebounds — Didn’t land due to limited minutes
✅ Jalen Smith Double-Double — ✔ Landed at great odds (12 pts, 10 rebs)
❌ Walker Under 18.5 Points — Missed big, as Walker erupted for 31
✅ Huerter Over 12.5 Points — ✔ Cruised past with 18 in just 16 minutes
❌ Sixers to Win First Half — This hit unexpectedly but wasn’t recommended
This game was a strong betting opportunity for punters who leaned into depth analytics and rotation projections. Chicago’s second unit was always likely to have the upper hand, and they delivered in every area — from scoring to spacing to defence.
To view our full betting preview for this game and other NBA matchups, head to America Bet.
Postseason Picture: Bulls vs Heat, Sixers Rebuild
With the regular season in the rear-view mirror, attention turns to Chicago’s do-or-die Play-In clash with the Miami Heat. The Bulls have dropped all three meetings with Miami this season, but with momentum on their side and a deep bench firing, they’ll be optimistic about pulling off an upset at the United Center.
For Philadelphia, the off-season begins early. After years of being in the playoff mix, the Sixers will now be watching from the sidelines. They’ve dealt with crippling injuries to key players all year, and despite promising flashes from Adem Bona and Marcus Bagley, the rebuild or retooling conversations will dominate the summer headlines.
There were at least signs of hunger and heart from Philly’s young core — but the experience gap was glaring in this final outing.
Final Word
The Bulls finish their regular season the same way they’ve played their last month: with purpose, togetherness, and a clear identity. If Sunday’s win in Philadelphia is any indicator, they’re entering the postseason ready to compete — starters or not.
