Overview
- The 76ers opened their five-game post-Christmas trip with a 109-102 loss to the Bulls, who closed on a 10-0 run after Philadelphia led 102-99 late.
- Joel Embiid scored 31 points and appeared hindered by his right knee, surpassing 32 minutes for the first time this season as mobility remained an issue.
- Tyrese Maxey added 27 points and Paul George posted 15 points with 12 rebounds, but Philadelphia fell to 0-4 in games featuring all three stars.
- The Sixers signed MarJon Beauchamp to a two-way contract to replace Hunter Sallis; he joined the team in Chicago but did not dress.
- Boston continued its surge with a 140-122 win in Indiana behind 20 made threes and Jaylen Brown’s eighth straight 30-point game, while Utah snapped San Antonio’s eight-game winning streak.