Can Philadelphia’s Defensive Strength Extend Chicago’s Losing Streak? Prediction | November 3, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers
Chicago Bulls
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Chicago Bulls on November 3 in an NBA regular-season matchup. Philadelphia have won six of their first seven games, while Chicago have lost four consecutive contests. However, the Bulls have enjoyed the better results in recent head-to-head meetings, adding another point of interest to this matchup.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia have made an impressive start to the season, winning six of their first seven games to move into first place in the Eastern Conference. Their only defeat came against Detroit, but the 76ers responded with three consecutive victories over Indiana, New York and Charlotte.
In their latest game, Philadelphia beat the Hornets 109–104, with Tyrese Maxey leading the way with 38 points, four rebounds and four assists. Maxey has been the team's leading scorer this season, averaging 29.6 points per game, while Joel Embiid contributes 19.2 points and 9.4 rebounds. Jaylen Brown is averaging another 19.8 points per contest.
The 76ers' main strength has been their defense. They allow just 104.9 points per game, ranking second in the NBA, while opponents shoot only 43.3% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range. Philadelphia also rank fourth in Defensive Rating (104.9) and first in loose balls recovered, averaging 5.3 per game.
Although the 76ers average just 108.7 points per game, they have been effective at limiting opponents' scoring opportunities and protecting possession, committing only 12.7 turnovers per contest. They have also won all three of their road games so far, while recording a 3–1 home record.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago have endured a difficult opening to the campaign, winning just one of their first six games. After beating Milwaukee 132–125, the Bulls suffered four consecutive defeats, including losses to Boston, New York and Washington. Their most recent game ended in a 125–111 defeat against the Celtics, with Caleb Wilson scoring 23 points.
Wilson has been one of Chicago's main offensive contributors, averaging 21.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Norman Powell is close behind with 20.7 points per contest, while Matas Buzelis averages 14.5 points and Jalen Smith contributes 12.0 points and 8.8 rebounds.
Despite having two players averaging more than 20 points, the Bulls have struggled to convert their offensive production into wins. They average 113.5 points per game but shoot only 41.4% from the field and 28.1% from three-point range. Their 24.3 assists per game rank 25th in the league, while 17.7 turnovers per contest have further undermined their consistency.
Chicago's biggest concern remains its defense. The Bulls allow 129.3 points per game, the highest average in the NBA, and opponents shoot 47.9% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range. They have conceded an average of 130.2 points across their five defeats, highlighting the difficulty they have had containing opposing offenses.
The Bulls have also struggled away from home, averaging 108.5 points per game while shooting just 39.3% from the field and 24.6% from three-point range. Their ability to rebound has been a relative positive, with 45.8 boards per game ranking eighth in the NBA, but that strength has not been enough to compensate for their defensive problems.
Head-to-Head
Despite Philadelphia's stronger start to the current season, recent meetings between these teams have favoured Chicago. The Bulls have won four of their last five encounters with the 76ers, losing only the most recent matchup, which ended in a high-scoring 157–137 victory for Philadelphia. The home record also presents a challenge for the 76ers. Philadelphia have won just two of their last eight home meetings with Chicago.
Key Trends
- Philadelphia have won 6 of their first 7 games this season.
- The 76ers have won their last 3 games.
- Chicago have lost their last 4 games.
- The Bulls have lost 5 of their first 6 games.
- Chicago allow 129.3 points per game, ranking last in the NBA.
- The Bulls have won 4 of their last 5 meetings with Philadelphia.
Prediction
Philadelphia have the offensive quality to take advantage of Chicago's defensive problems. The 76ers average 108.7 points per game, with Maxey leading the team at 29.6, while Embiid and Brown provide further scoring options. The Bulls have conceded 129.3 points per game this season, giving the hosts an opportunity to produce a high-scoring performance. Chicago also have enough attacking quality to contribute to the total, averaging 113.5 points per game, with Wilson scoring 21.2 and Powell adding 20.7. The latest head-to-head meeting saw Philadelphia defeat Chicago 157–137. With the 76ers in stronger current form and the Bulls continuing to struggle defensively, Philadelphia have a good opportunity to secure another win in a high-scoring matchup. Recommended Bet: Over 235 Total Points
