The Sixers (13-26) will not have much time to hang their heads after a 101-86 loss to the Heat last night as they find themselves in Chicago for an 8PM matchup tonight with the Bulls (18-20). The Sixers beat Chicago to move to 3-0 early in the season by a score of 107-104. Much like last night though, the Sixers cannot expect the same success unless they improve on their shooting. Here are some things to look for in tonight's matchup.
- The Bulls enter this game with a 6-2 record in the month of January. They are finding ways to stay in the playoff race with Derrick Rose or Luol Deng. Their previous two losses? Both to the Sixers Monday afternoon opponent, the Wizards.
- The Sixers, 4-5 in the month of January are looking to get things going after winning just one of their last six. They beat Charlotte by only three points on January 15th and all of their losses in the month have come by double digits.
- Chicago comes into the game 2nd in the NBA in points allowed with 92.9 while the Sixers find themselves in 30th with just over 110 allowed per contest.
- If the Sixers have any chance at winning, they will need better performances by Thaddeus Young and Michael Carter-Williams. The two were a combined 4-for-20 from the field in last night's loss to Miami.
- The Bulls have a big presence down-low with both Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah. Boozer is averaging 15 ppg (52.9% from the field in his last five games) while Noah is bringing down 10.8 boards per game. That being said, both teams come in ranked 8th and 9th in the NBA in rebounding.
- The Sixers are led by Evan Turner, who is averaging 18.8 ppg, but has been scoring five points below that average over his last five games. Rookie PG Michael Carter-Williams has scored 20+ in three of his last five, so he looks to get back on track after a poor night against the Heat.
- These two games have played a total of 223 games between one another, 207 in the regular season, where the Sixers own the 116-91 lifetime edge. Chicago is 10-6 against the Sixers in the playoffs. Over the last 10 matchups between them and the Bulls, the Sixers have lost six of them. They have also lost nine of their last 11 games at the United Center.
You can catch tonight's game on Comcast Sportsnet. Tip-off is slated for 8PM.
Brandon Apter is a contributer to Sixerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ApterShock
