The Chicago Bulls will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. Center Nic Claxton will make his debut after battling back from a hamstring injury sustained during preseason.

Before the game, head coach Tiago Splitter laid out his plan for Claxton. He will not start and will play 16-20 minutes. Meanwhile, the Bulls are coming in to face the superstar-talented 76ers with a 1-7 record.

The Bulls are experiencing tremendous growing pains as they continue to rebuild with a young team. As for Claxton, they have a veteran big man who was once nominated for Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23. Claxton also brings athleticism, strength, and rim protection.

Jalen Smith has been the starting big man while Claxton was out and will be starting on Sunday. However, Smith also bounced off the injury list, including sustaining a hand injury against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Later in the week, Claxton and Smith were active in practice, suggesting Claxton will be back on the floor soon.

In June, the Bulls acquired Claxton in a 3-way trade with his former team, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Last year, Claxton averaged 11.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game with the Nets. Altogether, he played in 69 games.

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The Bulls are heading into the game against the 76ers with more players on the injured list. Starting guard Norman Powell is out with right shoulder inflammation and soreness. Zach Collins is out with a respiratory illness. Dailyn Swain is out with right disc irritation.

Claxton is a seven-year NBA veteran.