The surging Philadelphia 76ers will look for their seventh consecutive victory when they host the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
The Sixers crushed the Charlotte Hornets 135-82 on Saturday.
Reigning MVP Joel Embiid led the way with 42 points and 15 rebounds in 30 minutes. It was the 10th straight game Embiid compiled at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, an ongoing franchise record, as the Sixers dealt the Hornets their worst defeat in franchise history.
Also included in the victory was an all-around performance by Tyrese Maxey.
In Philadelphia’s previous two victories, Maxey shot 9 of 29 from the field and 1 of 12 from 3-point range. He scored 21 points against the Hornets on 8-of-13 shooting and went 5-for-8 from beyond the arc.
The Bulls will arrive in Philadelphia following a split of two games on the road against the Miami Heat.
Chicago won 124-116 on Thursday and then fell 118-116 in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday when former Bull Jimmy Butler hit a step-back jumper as time expired.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 27 points, Patrick Williams scored 25 and Coby White had 22. Torrey Craig contributed 16 and Nikola Vucevic had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the balanced effort.
Chicago coach Billy Donovan was frustrated with the defensive rotation on Butler’s game-winner over White.
Alex Caruso was out for the Bulls with a sprained left ankle and Craig injured his right heel and didn’t play in the second half. Caruso is questionable and Craig is doubtful for the meeting with the Sixers.
The Bulls continue to compete as trade rumors swirl around injured Zach LaVine and Donovan continues to receive criticism.
Veterans like DeRozan understand that it’s vital to avoid distractions.
