DeMar DeRozan and Coby White each contributed 24 points, and the Chicago Bulls defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 105-92 in the opener of a home-and-home set on Saturday night, capitalizing on the absence of NBA MVP Joel Embiid.

Emiid, who is sidelined with a sprained right ankle, may be able to return to action Tuesday night in Philadelphia when the teams rematch.

The Bulls, led by Andre Drummond’s 15 points and 23 rebounds, possess a five-seven record and have held Philadelphia to a draw in both encounters.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 20 points and seven assists. Harris Tobias contributed 15 points.

Chicago maintained a perfect record in the second half and extended its lead to 95-79 with a 13-2 run that converted a five-point deficit into that distance in the fourth quarter. Five points were tallied by DeRozan during the spurt.

As a result of starting center Nikola Vucevic’s groin injury, Drummond was given more playing time and assisted the Bulls in outrebounding Philadelphia 53-36.

The Bulls took a 56-48 halftime advantage with an 11-2 run to end the first half.

Vucevic was sidelined for the third consecutive contest. Tuesday, coach Billy Donovan expressed skepticism that the former All-Star would be able to return.

Zach LaVine, a hero for Chicago, has missed fifteen consecutive games due to inflammation in his right foot. Donovan stated that LaVine might be able to resume practices the following week.