Bulls vs Sixers Injury Update: Latest Report on Joel Embiid and Zach LaVine’s Availability Tonight

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls are set for another showdown in the second leg of their back-to-back games. The two times the team has met before this season, Chicago has swept the Sixers both times, with the latest win coming on Saturday night with a 105-92 victory. Therefore, the Sixers aim to turn the tide and enhance their season series record against the Bulls. The Bulls, on the other hand, will strive to maintain their dominance.

As the Eastern Conference rivals gear up to start their year on a positive note, let us take a look at the availability of their star players.

Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Injury Report

The Sixers’ desire to enhance their 2-0 season series record against the Bulls could manifest tonight as their big man, Joel Embiid, is set to return to the lineup after sitting out four consecutive games. He has been out since December 22 due to a sprained ankle that he sustained after landing awkwardly on Jakob Poeltl’s foot. However, he is off the injury report and is expected to suit up tonight to face the Bulls. The 76ers are only monitoring one player on the injury report – De’Anthony Melton, who is sidelined due to lumbar spine soreness.

On the other side of the court, the Bulls will enter the contest heavily shorthanded. Their star guard, Zach LaVine, is still on the injury report and will miss the back-to-back set. He has been ruled out since November 28 after he suffered a foot injury. However, he is inching closer to a return, as he was recently assigned to practice with the team’s G-League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. The Bulls will continue to miss the services of Lonzo Ball (knee), who has been shut down for the remainder of the season. In addition, Torrey Craig (heel), Nikola Vucevic (left groin strain), and Onuralp Bitim (nose) are all ruled out for tonight’s matchup.

Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Predicted starting lineups

In De’Anthony Melton’s absence, Patrick Beverley is expected to take up the role of the starting shooting guard. Therefore, the Sixers’ starting five might look like this – Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, Patrick Beverley, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr. The shorthanded Bulls could start their game with Patrick Williams, DeMar DeRozan, Andre Drummond, Coby White, and Alex Caruso.

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The Bulls face daunting odds tonight, especially with Vucevic sidelined, leaving them with limited interior defense. Additionally, the return of Embiid only compounds the challenges for Chicago. What are your predictions for tonight? Let us know in the comments!

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