There’s nothing left on the line for the Sixers, as they take on the Bulls for their final game of the season with the fifth-best lottery odds already in the bag.
It’s finally here. After all the injuries, losses, and late season tank effort, the Sixers’ final game of the season has arrived.
And we’re entering Sunday’s early contest against the Bulls on a positive note, too, all things considered. The Sixers have locked up the fifth-best lottery odds, which is not only a good result considering the late start to their tank, but also means all pressure is off for their final game.
Right, let’s take a moment to appreciate that this will be the last massive Sixers injury report we have to look at for months now… For Sunday, Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Kyle Lowry, Kelly Oubre Jr., Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond are all out of course. Justin Edwards (rib contusion) and Quentin Grimes (right shoulder sprain) are questionable. The Bulls will be a little shorthanded, as apart from Lonzo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu remaining out following their respective surgeries, Tre Jones (left midfoot sprain) and Josh Giddey (right flexor carpi ulnaris; tendinopathy) are also out, while Dalen Terry (right calf contusion) is probable.
The Bulls have clinched their spot in the play-in, sitting at 38-43 as the ninth seed, and are set to play the Heat to begin their play-in run. Chicago have won two straight and are even tied for the sixth-best record in the league since Mar. 6, with a 14-5 record in this stretch. They’ve ranked 10th in both offensive and defensive rating in this time too, so they’re entering Sunday in rather good form.
Matas Buzelis jukes Luka with the behind-the-back dribble and baseline dunk, whew pic.twitter.com/1vb6uYk0xm
— Ricky O’Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) March 23, 2025
Coby White has had a career year putting up 20.6 points per game on a 60.3 true shooting percentage, Nikola Vucevic has been as well rounded offensively as usual, Kevin Huerter has given the offense a boost, rookie Matas Buzelis has proved himself as a skilled and important contributor over the last couple of months, and Giddey has improved overall since moving on from OKC.
JOSH GIDDEY WINS IT AT THE BUZZER FROM HALF COURT
COMPLETES AN 18-POINT 4Q COMEBACK FOR THE BULLS!!#TissotBuzzerBeater #YourTimeDefinesYourGreatness pic.twitter.com/66AbdWc0rw
— NBA (@NBA) March 28, 2025
There could be some fun matchups in this game. We have White vs. the Sixers’ young guards like Edwards (if he returns) and Jared Butler (coming off a solid 25-point night against Atlanta). Adem Bona (who continues to show out at both ends, from his finishing to his dynamic defense) will have a good test against Vucevic.
It won’t be easy against an in-form Bulls team as the Sixers’ rotation remains incredibly short, but let’s see if Philly can end the season on a high with a scrappy win now that lottery odds are secure.
And once Sunday’s game wraps up, we can enjoy the playoffs as spectators, look ahead to the NBA Draft, and hopefully see some luck go the Sixers’ way in the lottery.
Game Details
When: Sunday, April 13, 1:00 p.m. ET
Where: The Center, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers