The set-up: The "new-look" Bulls were supposed to be better than last year when the team's 42-40 record missed the playoffs. However, they check in at 23-25 as they get set to host the 76ers, who after years of frustration, are beginning to show signs that "the Process" is working. Philly comes to Chicago 17-28 but having won 10 of their last 14 games.

Philadelphia: The 76ers won just 10 games last season, 18 the year before that and just 19 three seasons ago. The main man in the team's resurgence is Joel Embiid, who after missing the previous two seasons with foot issues, has averaged 20.2 PPG (on 46.6% shooting), 7.8 RPG and 2.45 BPG. Embiid's minutes have been carefully monitored and he didn't make this trip to the United Center, as he rests a sore knee. Forward Ersan Ilyasova (15.1 & 6.) has also been a key acquisition, who just had a streak of 25 straight games scoring in double figures end Friday night in Philly's 123-118 home loss against the Rockets. While those two have been the team's best performers all season, Philly's current 10-4 run began o back on Dec. 30th, when T.J. McConnell was promoted to starting PG. McConnell nearly had his fourth straight game with double-digit assists against the Rockets, with eight. He is averaging 10.5 assists over the past four games and produced 13 points - his best total this month - in the loss to the Rockets. "T.J. has been excellent," Embiid told the team's website. "I thought the past 10 games, 13 games, I think he's been our MVP just pushing the ball up the court, just sharing the ball. That's what point guards do, and I think he's been excellent."

Chicago: The Bulls currently own the eighth and final playoff spot in the East but in losing their last two, have begun to criticize each other via post-game interviews and social media accounts. After watching a 10-point lead with three minutes left in the fourth quarter slip away against the Hawks, Wade and Butler went off on their young teammates in pos-tgame interview sessions. Rajon Rondo then fired back Thursday on his Instagram account, writing pointed words likely intended to criticize Wade and Butler.
Following a team meeting Friday that essentially replaced the morning shootaround, the Bulls lost 100-88 at home to the Miami Heat that night and turned in another lackluster effort. Butler (24.4-6.5-4.7) and Wade (19.7-4.3-3.7) were benched to start the game, a punishment for their comments, and neither played all that well. Wade had 15 points but Butler was held to a season-low three points on 1-of-13 shooting.

The pick: Obviously, I'd prefer the 76ers to have had Embiid for this one but Philly's playing with confidence while the Bulls are riddled with in-fighting and several players criticizing one another. Take the points with Philly and make them an 8* play.