Party like it’s 2014.

The battle for the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference raged on as the Sixers gave their worst effort yet ... which is saying a lot. They fell 142-110 to the Chicago Bulls Monday night, notching their eighth loss in a row. They are 20-37.

Kelly Oubre Jr. and Paul George led the Sixers with 19 apiece. Tyrese Maxey finished with 13 points in 29 minutes. Josh Giddey led all scorers with 25 points along with 16 rebounds and six assists.

Joel Embiid was ruled out after it was reported he and the team are seeking other treatment options for his left knee. Nikola Vucevic was out for the Bulls do to calf tightness.

Here are some thoughts from the Center.

First Quarter

• The Bulls’ starting lineup was odd as Kevin Huerter was swapped in just before the game for Coby White, but then White checked into the game less than two minutes in. His shift didn’t even last that long though as he appeared to cut his finger and went back to the locker room.

• Despite the hampered Embiid not being in the lineup, the defense still looked atrocious as the Bulls first three makes of the game were right at the rim. On top of those easy looks, Lonzo Ball was hitting threes at a high degree of difficulty.

• The start on offense was pretty slow and meandering as well, featuring a lot of pull-up jumpers. After Oubre took the opening jump ball in for a dunk, it took them another six minutes to get another shot at the rim. George made three of his first four though to start the night, which was one of the few positives.

• They didn’t quite give up 40 again, but they came close as they sent the Bulls to the line 14 times in the quarter and allowed them to grab five offensive rebounds. Andre Drummond had six points and six boards in the quarter, but also picked up three fouls again and had to be subbed out. The Sixers trailed by nine after the opening frame.

Second Quarter

• A good summary of this entire season. After three possessions of missing good looks from three, Ricky Council IV poked free a steal for a fast break. He landed before he could decide to go up with it or pass to Oubre and was called for the travel. That ended up being the end of just a three-minute stint for Council.

• It was a tough half for IVs as Lonnie Walker started the game 0-of-4. He is still looking for his first field goal and points as a Sixer. Mercifully, Adem Bona got some backup five minutes, but not much changed as the Bulls kept walking to the rim. Just about every Bull was blowing by their defender as they shot 57% from the field in the second.

• There’s nothing they can really do about being this bad, but not knowing whether they’re still trying or not makes them such a tough watch. The quick hook for Ricky and switch to Bona would indicate they are, but they look so checked out that it feels they’re not committed one way or another. They trailed the Bulls by 17 at the break.