Philadelphia-76ers vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions April 13th 2025

Bulls Look to Cap Regular Season on High Note Against Shorthanded Sixers

The Chicago Bulls are set to wrap up their regular season on Sunday against a depleted Philadelphia 76ers squad. Though locked into the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls are looking to carry momentum into the NBA Play-In Tournament by finishing strong.

Bulls Eye Winning Note Before Play-In Battle

With a 38-43 record, the Bulls can match last season’s win total with a victory in their season finale. More importantly, they want to stay sharp heading into Wednesday’s play-in game at home against the Miami Heat.

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“The guys earned the right to be able to play in the game, and that’s a great thing. I’m excited about it,” said Chicago head coach Billy Donovan.

Donovan confirmed he expects the full roster to play in the finale, keeping the competitive edge sharp before the postseason kicks off. After slumping earlier in the year with a 24-38 mark in early March, Chicago has surged back into form with 14 wins in their last 19 outings.

Defense and Depth Fuel Bulls’ Late Push

The Bulls have not only been winning but doing so convincingly. Their recent 119-89 win over the Wizards was a defensive showcase — the fewest points they’ve allowed all season.

Rookie Julian Phillips stepped up with a career-high 23 points, taking advantage of Josh Giddey’s absence. Nikola Vucevic nearly notched a triple-double with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.

“We went through a lot. The one thing I appreciated about the group was I think every night, they lined up and we made winning a priority,” said Donovan.

“We weren’t always great, but I thought we stuck together, I thought we competed, I thought we played really hard.”

Looking ahead, the Bulls will rely on their improved defense and balanced scoring to carry them through the play-in and beyond.

Philadelphia’s Season Ends With Youth Movement

The 76ers, by contrast, are closing out a disappointing season. Once considered playoff contenders, they now sit at 24-57, the fifth-worst record in the NBA. Still, the finale provides a stage for developing talent.

Despite their losing record, the Sixers have discovered bright spots, especially among younger players like rookie Adem Bona. The second-round pick had a breakout game Friday with 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting, six rebounds, and three blocks.

“It’s been great to see him grow. As a rookie, that’s hard to do,” said guard Jared Butler, who led the Sixers with 25 points and seven assists against Atlanta.

Marcus Bagley also shined with 20 points and 10 rebounds — both career highs — showing promise as an undrafted rookie eager to seize his moment.

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“No matter what stats I have, just to be out here playing is a dream come true,” Bagley said.

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Though shorthanded, the Sixers’ spirit has not waned, and their youngsters are relishing the chance to prove themselves as the franchise shifts toward the future.

Picks and Predictions Outlook

Though the Bulls are locked into their playoff spot, this game still matters. With their recent momentum and Philadelphia’s thin rotation, expect Chicago to bring playoff intensity. For those eyeing NBA picks and predictions, Chicago’s defensive edge and experience make them a likely favorite to close the regular season with a win.