CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Bulls used a strong final period to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 109-102 on Friday night at United Center. Joel Embiid scored 31 points for the 76ers, but the Bulls’ balanced attack, led by Josh Giddey’s 11 assists, secured the win. Philadelphia led 85-81 entering the fourth quarter before Chicago closed with a 28-17 advantage. Tyrese Maxey added 27 points for the 76ers. The Bulls evened their season record to 15-15, while Philadelphia fell to 16-13. Attendance was 20,952.

CHICAGO (Interstat) — In a game defined by a decisive fourth-quarter surge, the Chicago Bulls overcame a stellar performance from Joel Embiid to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 109-102 on Friday night at a sold-out United Center. A crowd of 20,952 watched the Bulls, who entered the game as slight favorites, improve to .500 at 15-15. The 76ers fell to 16-13 with the loss, their second straight after a defeat to Brooklyn earlier in the week. The contest was a tight, back-and-forth affair for the first three quarters, featuring 15 lead changes and neither team building a double-digit advantage. Philadelphia held a narrow 85-83 lead entering the final period, but Chicago’s defense stiffened and its balanced attack found a rhythm to pull away. The most critical stretch of the game began with just over seven minutes remaining and the Bulls clinging to a 90-87 lead. Over the next three minutes, Chicago engineered a 14-5 run that effectively sealed the victory. The run was a showcase of the Bulls’ depth and ball movement. It included a 3-pointer from Zach Collins, a driving layup from Tre Jones, free throws from rookie Matas Buzelis and a crucial driving layup from Coby White that pushed the lead to 104-92 with 1:54 to play. Philadelphia, which had relied heavily on its stars, could not muster a response. The 76ers managed only one field goal in the final 2:45 of the game as the Bulls closed it out at the free-throw line. Embiid was dominant for Philadelphia, scoring 31 points and grabbing five rebounds in just 32 minutes. Tyrese Maxey added 27 points and eight assists, while Paul George recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. However, the trio combined for 73 of the team’s 102 points, with the supporting offense struggling to provide consistent production, especially in the fourth quarter where Philadelphia was held to 17 points. Chicago’s victory was a collective effort. Josh Giddey orchestrated the offense with 11 assists to go with 12 points. The Bulls’ bench was instrumental, outscoring Philadelphia’s reserves. Collins provided a vital spark with 15 points, all in the first half, while Jones scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half, including nine in the fourth quarter. White filled the stat sheet with 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Rookie forward Buzelis made his presence felt defensively with three blocks and added 10 points and eight rebounds. The game began at a frenetic pace, with both teams shooting over 50% from the field in a first quarter that ended with Chicago ahead 30-28. The Bulls’ ball security was an issue early, committing seven turnovers in the opening period, but they cleaned it up as the game progressed. Philadelphia’s best stretch came in the third quarter, where they scored 33 points, largely on the back of Embiid and Maxey, to briefly regain the lead. Ultimately, the Bulls’ ability to generate offense from multiple sources in the final period proved the difference. Their defense limited Philadelphia to 7-of-22 shooting in the fourth quarter and forced five turnovers. The 76ers also hurt themselves at the line, missing five free throws in the second half. The win gives Chicago a 2-0 season series advantage over Philadelphia, having also beaten the 76ers 113-111 on Nov. 4. The Bulls will look to build on the momentum Saturday when they host the Milwaukee Bucks. Philadelphia continues a challenging road trip Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to the National Statistical ELO system, Chicago had a 65.1% probability to win pregame. The combined score of 211 fell well under the betting over/under line of 239.5.

Preview: 76ers at Bulls, Friday, December 26, 2025 CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls meet Friday at the United Center in a post-Christmas matchup featuring two Eastern Conference teams looking to build momentum. The 76ers (16-12) arrive after a 114-106 home loss to Brooklyn on Tuesday, halting a two-game win streak. Center Joel Embiid led Philadelphia with 27 points and six rebounds in that defeat. Embiid, averaging 22.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this season, has been a consistent force but the 76ers have lost four of their last seven. The Bulls (14-15) have won four straight, including a 126-123 victory in Atlanta on Tuesday. Guard Josh Giddey fueled that win with a 19-point, 11-rebound, 15-assist triple-double, his fourth in the last six games. During Chicago’s win streak, Giddey is averaging 19.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 11.3 assists, providing a dynamic all-around catalyst for the offense. This is the second meeting this season. The Bulls edged the 76ers 113-111 in Chicago on Nov. 4. Philadelphia will aim to control the interior through Embiid, supported by Paul George (19 points vs. Brooklyn) and rebounding from reserve Andre Drummond (12 points, 13 rebounds). The 76ers are 3-3 in their last six road games. Chicago’s recent surge has been marked by high-scoring performances, averaging 135.3 points during the four-game streak. Alongside Giddey’s playmaking, center Nikola Vucevic (21 points, 10 rebounds vs. Atlanta) and guard Coby White (24 points) provide scoring punch. The game presents a contrast in styles: Philadelphia’s half-court execution around Embiid against Chicago’s up-tempo, Giddey-led attack. The Bulls seek to climb above .500, while the 76ers look to solidify their position in the conference standings. Following this game, Philadelphia begins a three-game road trip Sunday in Oklahoma City. Chicago hosts Milwaukee on Saturday.