The Bulls are without a series lead and superstar guard Derrick Rose. After the first two games against the 76ers, they counted on having both. Torn anterior cruciate ligament for Rose cost him the postseason and it may dent any chance the Bulls had of sweeping the Sixers in the best-of-seven series.

To win a game on the road since 2003, Rose’s absence in Game 2 was the break the Sixers needed to became the first No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers believe more than ever they can beat the top team in the East and make a big march of their own through May and they are ready to show Philadelphia they are more than a minor speed bump in Chicago’s playoff run.

In Game 6, the Sixers had the type of production they needed to have a chance at beating the Bulls over the next three games. The Sixers shot 59 percent overall and Jrue Holiday was 11 of 15 from the field for 26 points. Chicago product Evan Turner chipped in with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists and, going 8 of 13 after hitting just 1 of 6 shots in the opener; Lou Williams was clutch off the bench. In the league this season, Holiday might have blossomed into one of the top five point guards, he had the lockout not shortened the schedule and robbed him of valuable practice time.

The Bulls do not have that kind of luxury to get production from Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng. They combined for only 17 points. They were anticipated to help carry the load without Rose in the lineup. The pair missed five of six shots and let the Sixers run wild around them in the second half. In the first two games, Boozer has 18 points and 12 rebounds. At that pace, the Bulls will find themselves in a series hole.

The Bulls’ inability to stop the Sixers, particularly in the third quarter was the most alarming factor. Philadelphia wiped out a 55-47 deficit and Turner scored 11 in the quarter. Turning an eight-point deficit into an 83-69 lead, the Sixers outscored Chicago 36-14 in the third. The Bulls were outrebounded 14-5 in the frame.

With the series tied, both teams seeking a lead, Game 3 is going to be an exciting contest. Worth a watch!

NBA – Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers – Game 3 by Sports Picks Reviews

Philadelphia 76ers Dancers

The Charlotte Bobcats fighting to hold on to one of the bottom playoff spots visit a Philadelphia 76ers team struggling to get in.

The Charlotte Bobcats are beasts at home, but they struggle on the road. They are on a three-game winning streak, but all of those wins came at home.

The Bobcats are coming off of a 83-78 win last night over Miami that saw them come back from a 15-point deficit. Stephen Jackson led the team with 17 points and DJ Augustin grabbed 7 key points in the final stretch to give Charlotte the win.

Philly has lost six of their last seven SU. Thaddeus Young stepped scoring 32 points in the lone victory versus Toronto, but he and the rest of the 76ers couldn’t find an answer for the Pacers last night.

The 76ers currently sit in 10th place and they can’t afford to lose to a team like Charlotte if they still plan on making the playoffs.

Rookie Jrue Holiday is on a mini-tear scoring 21 points in two straight games. If he can continue contributing significant scoring he’d help the 76ers a lot in their drive for a playoff spot.

The Bobcats are 1-point NBA betting favorites and the over/under is 188.5 at betED.

Cappers Picks: 76ers

The Bobcats have a SU road record of 8-23 and the 76ers are good enough to grab the close win.

Betting Sports Review: Bobcats

The Bobcats are on a roll and should be able to out-run the 76ers.

Charlotte Bobcats at Philadelphia 76ers NBA Picks Review by Sports Picks Reviews