Betting tips from AI for Chicago Bulls vs Philadelphia 76ers, 27 December 2025.

Embiid's status is the biggest swing factor — he's listed questionable along with VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow and Quentin Grimes while Trendon Watford is out, which could sap Philly's depth. Chicago also lost Noa Essengue for the season, leaving the Bulls thin inside, but they're riding a three-game streak with two recent high-scoring wins; their defense, however, sits 28th (about 123 PPG allowed). Chicago also owns four of the last six meetings at the United Center.
Advanced models still nudge Philadelphia slightly (50.7% and a 118–119 projection) while the market lists the 76ers at 2.00 versus the Bulls at 1.83. That tiny projection edge over the implied probability on 2.00 makes Philly the +EV play here — take the 76ers for a $1 wager.

The United Center is set to host a pivotal Eastern Conference clash where the Chicago Bulls, riding a three-game winning streak, face a Philadelphia 76ers squad reeling from a recent loss. Philly's star big man, Joel Embiid, is listed as questionable, a colossal uncertainty that could swing the game's outcome. The 76ers stumbled hard in Brooklyn, shooting just 40.7% and turning the ball over too often, snapping their momentum. Meanwhile, the Bulls have been red-hot offensively, despite a leaky defense ranked 28th, surrendering 123 points a night. Chicago also boasts a strong home-court history against the 76ers, winning four of the last six matchups in their arena, including a tight 113-111 victory in November. While algorithmic projections slightly favor the 76ers at 50.7%, the Bulls' current momentum, home advantage, and the significant injury cloud over Embiid and other key Philly players make them the more compelling pick at 1.83. If Embiid sits, these odds will look like a steal. Even if he plays, Philly's recent form suggests vulnerability. Expect Chicago to capitalize on their home-court energy and recent offensive surge.

The Bulls enter this matchup riding momentum with three straight wins, though their defensive struggles (28th in the league at 123 PPG) remain concerning. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is dealing with significant injury concerns, most notably Joel Embiid's questionable status. His absence would severely hamper the 76ers' frontcourt advantage, especially with Chicago already thin up front after losing Noa Essengue for the season.

Philadelphia's recent stumble against Brooklyn (shooting just 40.7%) suggests they're not firing on all cylinders. The Bulls have shown they can handle the 76ers at United Center, winning four of their last six matchups including a tight November victory.

Despite the algorithms slightly favoring Philly at 50.7% win probability, the combination of Chicago's home court advantage, current winning streak, and Philadelphia's injury concerns make the Bulls at 1.83 the smarter play. The 76ers at 2.00 don't offer enough value given their unsettled lineup situation.

The Bulls are firing on all cylinders at home, having snagged their last three wins, including a pair of nail-biters against Atlanta. That United Center energy has been electric, and they've owned the 76ers lately, taking four of the last six head-to-heads, capped by a gritty 113-111 victory in November. Sure, Chicago's defense is a sieve—28th in the league, leaking 123 points per game—and they're hurting up front with Noa Essengue out for the season, thinning their big-man rotation.

But Philly's in a tougher spot. Joel Embiid is questionable, along with VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, and Quentin Grimes, while Trendon Watford is officially sidelined. That could mean massive lineup shakeups just when they need cohesion. The Sixers just got smoked by the Nets 114-106, shooting a dismal 40.7% and turning it over like hot potatoes, snapping any momentum.

Projections give Philly a slim 50.7% edge in a projected 118-119 thriller, but with the injury fog and recent skid, I'm betting the Bulls' home grit tips the scales. At 1.83 for Chicago, it's a sharp play for value—back the streaking home team to pull off the upset in this low-scoring battle.

The Chicago Bulls are on a hot streak with three straight wins, but their 28th-ranked defense allowing 123 points per game is a major red flag. Frontcourt depth is also compromised with Noa Essengue out for the season.
Philadelphia 76ers are algorithmically favored at 50.7% win probability in a projected 118-119 nailbiter, despite Joel Embiid's questionable status and a recent poor shooting performance. With value at 2.00 and Chicago's defensive woes, Philly is poised to capitalize and secure a close road victory.

The matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers on December 27, 2025, shapes up as a thrilling clash with plenty of storylines to unpack. The Bulls enter this game riding high after securing three consecutive wins, including two nail-biting victories over Atlanta. However, their defense remains a glaring issue, giving up an average of 123 points per game—ranking 28th in the league. This could spell trouble against a Philly team that boasts one of the NBA’s most potent offensive threats when fully healthy.
Joel Embiid's status looms large for the 76ers, listed as questionable alongside several key rotation players. If Embiid sits, it significantly weakens Philly’s chances despite their slight edge in win probability (50.7%) according to advanced metrics. Even with home-court advantage and recent history favoring Chicago—they’ve won four of the last six meetings—the absence of Noa Essengue leaves the Bulls vulnerable inside. Philly’s struggles in Brooklyn might hint at fatigue or lapses in focus, but they remain a formidable opponent if their stars show up.
The betting odds tell an intriguing tale: Chicago is favored at 1.83, while Philadelphia offers even money at 2.00. Given the circumstances, there’s value in backing the underdog here. If Embiid plays, the 76ers have the firepower to outlast Chicago’s porous defense. And even if he doesn’t, the Bulls’ lack of frontcourt depth makes them susceptible to being outmuscled.
Ultimately, the smart bet hinges on Embiid’s availability. Assuming he suits up, Philadelphia has the tools to grind out a close victory in a hostile environment.