Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers

Last-Minute Matchup Update: Bulls @ 76ers — March 25, 2026 (7:00 PM ET, Xfinity Mobile Arena)

Key Last-Minute Injury Changes

Bulls — Significant Late Downgrades:

• Anfernee Simons (wrist) has been officially listed as DOUBTFUL for tonight. Earlier reporting had him as day-to-day; the designation has clarified downward. He is dealing with a left ulnar styloid fracture — a fractured wrist — per RotoWire. His absence is now nearly certain and represents a meaningful offensive loss off the bench.
• Isaac Okoro (right knee / patellofemoral pain syndrome) has been upgraded from OUT to DOUBTFUL (per heavy.com), the first positive movement in eight games but still unlikely to play tonight.
• Guerschon Yabusele (left ankle sprain) is also listed DOUBTFUL. His inclusion in the rotation was in question as recently as yesterday; he appears likely out.
• Longer-term absentees remain: Jaden Ivey (OUT, knee — re-evaluation in one week), Zach Collins (OUT for season, toe surgery), Noa Essengue (OUT for season, shoulder surgery).

Bulls Probable Starting Lineup (confirmed): Giddey – Tre Jones – Buzelis – Jalen Smith – Nick Richards

76ers — The Big Story: Paul George Returns from Suspension:

• Paul George is back in the Philadelphia lineup tonight after serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy. This is his first game back and is a major development on the Sixers' side — he slots directly into the starting lineup at forward.
• Joel Embiid (right oblique strain) remains QUESTIONABLE. His status has not cleared as of this morning. If Embiid plays, Philadelphia's ceiling rises enormously; if he sits, the 76ers' Adem Bona starts at center with a thin frontcourt.
• Tyrese Maxey (right finger tendon strain) is OUT — confirmed no change.
• Kelly Oubre Jr. (left elbow sprain) is OUT — confirmed no change.
• Quentin Grimes (illness) is QUESTIONABLE — an additional wild card on the perimeter.

76ers Probable Starting Lineup (confirmed per Sixers Wire, published this morning): VJ Edgecombe – Justin Edwards – Paul George – Dominick Barlow – Adem Bona

Betting Line & Context

• Philadelphia opened as 6.5-point favorites. The line has not moved dramatically, but George's confirmed return and the near-certain absence of Simons for Chicago supports the current spread. Sharp bettors will be monitoring Embiid's final status closely — he moves the line meaningfully if confirmed IN or OUT.
• The Under is the trending play per analysts: 9 of the last 10 meetings between these clubs have gone under the total. Chicago's defense gives up 120.3 PPG (26th in NBA), but with Simons and Yabusele both likely out, the Bulls' offensive output could be suppressed.

What Matters Most in the Next 3 Hours

1. Joel Embiid's final status — the single biggest swing factor. Monitor for a pregame ruling, typically confirmed 30–60 minutes before tip.
2. Okoro & Yabusele game-time decisions — both doubtful but could be elevated to questionable by warmups.
3. Paul George's conditioning — returning from a 25-game layoff, his minutes may be managed even if he starts; expect rust to factor into his role early.
4. Grimes illness status — if Grimes is out alongside Maxey, Philly's perimeter depth becomes paper-thin behind Edgecombe and Edwards.