Jalen Smith’s 14 Can’t Stop Philadelphia’s 68-61 Halftime Lead

Sunday’s first half opened with Philadelphia ahead 34-33, but the 76ers widened the margin by taking the second quarter 34-28 for a 68-61 lead. LeBron James has 16 points and Tyrese Maxey 15 for Philadelphia, while Jalen Smith’s 14 points and three blocks have kept Chicago within reach. Josh Giddey has dished nine assists for the Bulls, whose 1-7 start and No. 27 power-index ranking contrast with Philadelphia’s 8-2 mark and No. 9 ranking. After the break, Chicago needs to turn Giddey’s playmaking into a sustained push, while the 76ers will look to protect their seven-point cushion.