PHILADELPHIA _ The Bulls aren't aiming for style points, only victories.
In an underwhelming performance against a victory-challenged and undermanned 76ers squad, the Bulls prevailed 102-90 on Thursday night to remain in seventh place in the East.
Jimmy Butler's fourth career triple-double featured 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Nikola Mirotic sank six 3-pointers en route to his game-high 22 points.
And Jerian Grant started for Rajon Rondo, who suffered a sprained right wrist in Tuesday's loss to the Knicks, and posted 15 points and eight assists.
An MRI exam confirmed the Rondo sprain, and Rondo is day-to-day. The Bulls play again on Saturday at the Nets.
"It's painful. It's my dominant hand. So just taking it a day at a time," Rondo said. "When I can still make an impact on the game is when I'll play again. Just listen to how it feels. Hopefully, I'll get a good night's rest tonight and it feels better tomorrow."
Teammates remain confident in Grant, who not only provides floor spacing but also must be the primary defensive force. The 76ers scored a ridiculous 70 points in the paint in an embarrassing home loss for the Bulls on March 24.
"I just want him to know that he can not be afraid to make a mistake," Butler said. "Go out there and play hard, guard your man, shoot the ball, be aggressive. That's what we need. We don't need you to try and throw me the ball every single time. That's not the right basketball play. So if you can take your man, if you can get a basket, by all means please do that."
