Philadelphia 76ers vs Chicago Bulls: preview and player stats (Jan 23, 2027)

James (back) is out for Thursday's game against Toronto. The future Hall of Famer is getting Thursday night off for maintenace purposes. Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown should do the heavy lifting offensively, while Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should soak up extra minutes for the 76ers.

Barlow (back) participated in Thursday's shootaround but doesn't have a timeline to return to game action, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports. Barlow has been dealing with back soreness dating back to the preseason, so his participation in shootaround is an encouraging step. However, the 76ers have yet to provide a firm return date, and he'll likely need to ramp up further before he's cleared to play. Barlow should be monitored in deeper formats, but he isn't someone who needs to be rostered while he remains sidelined.

Bona (back) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week after seeing a specialist, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports. The fact that Bona needed to see a specialist suggests the injury may be more significant than initially thought, and he'll remain sidelined for at least the next several games. Even when healthy, the big man has seen his role shrink with Joel Embiid (foot) back in the rotation, averaging just 0.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in four appearances outside of his 25-minute effort against the Pistons in late October. In Bona's absence, Jabari Walker could see a few more minutes as Philadelphia's backup center.

Hukporti has sustained a season-ending ruptured right Achilles tendon, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Hukporti went down with an Achilles injury in Monday's preseason opener against the Knicks, and an MRI has since revealed a rupture. He signed a one-year deal with the 76ers over the summer, so Hukporti will be an unrestricted free agent come season's end. With Hukporti's year already finished, Adem Bona (foot) should assume the backup center role behind Joel Embiid once healthy. Reported out for season.

Smith (hand) exited Friday's 125-117 win over the Hawks in overtime and did not return, finishing with 15 points (6-15 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals across 32 minutes. Smith secured his third double-double of the season while tying his season-high mark in steals. However, the big man came down on his left hand in overtime and exited to the locker room. His status will be worth monitoring ahead of Saturday's game at Minnesota.

Wilson (hand) is expected to miss four to six weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The rookie forward went down during Wednesday's loss to the Spurs, and he now needs surgery to repair a fractured right hand. More pressure will likely fall on Josh Giddey going forward, while the likes of Tre Jones and Isaac Okoro will have a chance for added streaming value.

Awaka (back) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Hawks. Awaka will miss a second consecutive contest due to a back issue. His next chance to suit up will come Saturday at Minnesota.

Swain (back) is out for Friday's game against the Hawks. Swain will miss his second game in a row, with this one being the front end of a back-to-back set. He can be considered questionable for Saturday against the Timberwolves.