The Chicago Bulls currently hold the longest winning streak in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, riding a four-game run despite sitting 10th with a 14-15 record. Their streak is the second-longest in the league, trailing only the San Antonio Spurs, who lead with eight consecutive wins. On Friday, the Bulls aim to extend their streak to five games in a showdown against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center.
The 76ers, who stand fifth in the East with a 16-12 record, recently fell 114-106 to the Nets, where scoring leader Tyrese Maxey was limited to 13 points on poor shooting. Chicago is a narrow 1.5-point favorite going into the matchup. Besides this clash, there are nine other NBA games and three college football bowl games to watch on December 26. The Bulls vs. 76ers game will be broadcast on Prime Video and streamed on Fubo TV.
SportsLine models favor the 76ers with a 60% chance of covering the point spread, despite the Bulls’ current momentum. Chicago’s defense has been shaky over the past nine games, allowing poor shooting percentages from opponents, which spells trouble against a sharpshooter like Maxey.
In other NBA action, the Portland Trail Blazers (+2.5) face the Los Angeles Clippers, who struggle defensively despite recent wins. The Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija is having an All-Star caliber season, boosting Portland’s chances to cover at 65%.
College football features the Rate Bowl with New Mexico and Minnesota; projections favor Minnesota to cover narrowly, although expert opinions lean toward New Mexico due to the home-field atmosphere. The First Responder Bowl pits Florida International against UTSA, with UTSA projected to cover despite anticipated player absences from opt-outs and injuries.
In NFL news, the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers face off in a key playoff battle, with the Texans seen as underdogs but holding a strong defense and a slight edge in expert analysis. The Texans have a 47% chance of winning, with a close contest expected.
Fan Take: This streak by the Bulls is an exciting development for basketball fans, highlighting the unpredictability and competitiveness of the Eastern Conference. It signals potential shifts in team dynamics and playoff positioning, making the race to the postseason even more thrilling to watch.
