The last time these teams met, Philadelphia raced away with a 126-107 win on Nov. 2. Now the Bulls return home Sunday afternoon with a chance to change the next chapter. Chicago stood at 1-7 through Friday, while the 76ers were 8-2, but a rematch can bring a fresh kind of pressure. The Bulls are building around young players, and this game gives them another measuring stick against one of the East’s strongest groups.

Rookie forward Caleb Wilson is at the center of Chicago’s story. The 6-foot-9 newcomer has scored 19.5 points per game while bringing energy at both ends of the court. He can grab the ball, attack the basket, and use his quick hands on defense. Wilson’s matchup with Philadelphia’s powerful wings will show how quickly he can grow against experienced stars.

Josh Giddey must help Wilson find room to run. Giddey leads the Bulls with 7.6 assists per game, meaning he creates baskets for teammates with sharp passes. Chicago needs his calm decisions because it has turned the ball over 16.5 times per game. Those lost possessions can become fast-break chances for Philadelphia. The Bulls also need cleaner shooting. They score 111.6 points per game, yet their 41.2% field-goal shooting and 27.2% three-point shooting show how often good attacks have ended without a finish.

Chicago will be without center Nic Claxton because of a hamstring injury. That leaves a major gap near the basket. Claxton’s length normally helps protect the rim, so Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and the rest of the Bulls must work together to rebound and challenge shots inside.

That task becomes tougher because Joel Embiid waits on the other side. Embiid averages 9.6 rebounds and can use his size to control the paint. When Chicago sends extra help toward him, Tyrese Maxey becomes dangerous. Maxey is averaging 26.9 points and uses blazing speed to fly into open lanes or rise for pull-up jumpers. LeBron James adds another problem as a big forward who sees passes before many defenders do. His 6.9 assists per game show that Philadelphia’s attack has more than one organizer.

The 76ers are coming off a 119-95 loss to Cleveland on Friday, so they will want a sharper response. Their 13.3 turnovers per game are far lower than Chicago’s total, and that steadier ball control has helped them win eight of 10 games. Philadelphia also has Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe as athletic wing options around its stars, giving Maxey help on both ends.

For Chicago, the goal is not to replay Nov. 2. It is to make Philadelphia work for every rebound, every pass, and every drive. A strong Wilson performance and a busy passing day from Giddey could keep the United Center loud. Still, Philadelphia has already shown its edge in this matchup, and its deeper group of proven scorers should carry the 76ers to the win.

Caleb Wilson and the Bulls Seek a New Ending Against Philadelphia