Simmons’ triple-double tames Bulls

Ben Simmons had 13 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists to lead eight players in double figures as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the short-handed visiting Chicago Bulls 127108 on Thursday night.

Simmons had 12 triple-doubles last season and became the first player in franchise history to accomplish the feat in a home opener.

Joel Embiid scored 30 points and swept 12 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double this season. Embiid also had four blocked shots.

Robert Covington added 20 points, Dario Saric contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds and Amir Johnson had 13. Rookie Landry Shamet had 12 points and Markelle Fultz also scored 12 for the Sixers, who responded after a season-opening 18-point loss on Tuesday in Boston.

Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 30 points while Bobby Portis added 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jabari Parker and Antonio Blakeney chipped in with 15 points each.

The Bulls played their season opener without key injured players such as forward Lauri Markkanen, guards Denzel Valentine and Kris Dunn and center Omer Asik.

The Sixers led 65-58 at halftime thanks in large part to Embiid’s 19 points and eight rebounds.

Portis, LaVine and Justin Holiday accounted for 43 of Chicago’s 58 first-half points. Portis had 18 on 7-of-9 shooting.