The Chicago Bulls returned to the Madhouse on Madison after their West Coast trip to face the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bulls fell short, losing to the 76ers, 109-97.  Although Philadelphia was missing All-Star Joel Embiid,

George did not play the second half after suffering an injury to the pinky finger on his left hand. The game also held tiebreaker implications for the Sixers, who trail the Bulls in the standings.

The Sixers’ win Saturday night at the United Center brought more injury misfortune and uncertainty; Paul George’s game ended in the second quarter because of a left pinkie finger issue. The fact that Maxey barely left the court allowed the Sixers to complete a perfect back-to-back.

George left early Saturday's win in Chicago with a finger injury one game after scoring 30 in Friday’s victory over the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Sixers had even fewer bodies by the end of their Saturday night contest against the Bulls than they did when they entered The Windy City.

CHICAGO — Immediately after losing seven straight games, the Sixers have a winning streak. They polished off a 2-0 back-to-back Saturday night with a 109-97 victory over the Bulls. Tyrese Maxey starred with 31 points and nine assists. The 19-27 Bulls received 25 points from Zach LaVine and 22 from Nikola Vucevic.

The injury-depleted Sixers ended a seven-game losing streak Friday night at East-leading Cleveland. Philadelphia pulled out this one after forward Paul George left in the second quarter with a left finger injury after scoring nine points.

Chicago comes into a matchup against Philadelphia as losers of four home games in a row. Saturday's meeting is the first of the season between the teams.