Bulls' fastest pace meets 76ers' No. 2 defense in Philadelphia

The Chicago Bulls (1-5), who play the league's fastest pace and shoot it worse than anyone, visit the Philadelphia 76ers (6-1) on Monday night, facing the second-best defense in the NBA.

Chicago's pace of 109.3 is first in the league, and its three-point rate ranks fourth. Few of those shots fall. The Bulls' effective field-goal percentage of 48.2 is last, so each quick possession leans on shooting they have not had.

That is a poor matchup. The 76ers allow 102.9 points per 100 possessions, second in the league, and hold opponents to an effective field-goal percentage of 49.8, fourth.

Philadelphia also turns the ball over less than any team, while Chicago ranks 23rd at forcing turnovers. The Bulls' best weapon is the foul line, where their free-throw rate of 0.383 leads the league.

Tyrese Maxey carries the home offense with 29.6 points a game on 48.6% shooting. LeBron James runs it beside him and averages seven assists.

For the Bulls, Caleb Wilson scores 21.2 points and blocks 1.5 shots a game. Josh Giddey feeds him and the rest with 7.5 assists in 26.3 minutes.

Joel Embiid is questionable. He leads Philadelphia with 9.4 rebounds in 35.1 minutes a night, and his size matters for a team that ranks last in offensive rebounding. Dominick Barlow (23.7 minutes) and Ariel Hukporti are out.

Nicolas Claxton, who played 27.8 minutes a game, is doubtful for Chicago. Jalen Smith, the Bulls' top rebounder at 8.8 a game, is probable, as is Tobe Awaka.

The Bulls have lost four straight, including 134-99 at Boston. Their only win came 132-125 at Milwaukee. Philadelphia has won three in a row, all tight: 109-104 at Charlotte, 98-93 over New York and 114-109 at Indiana.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, November 2. Sportsbooks' prices give the 76ers an 82% chance to win; our projection, built from the players available, puts it at 75%, with an 8.4-point margin.