Who: Phoenix Suns (42\u201335) vs. Chicago Bulls (29\u201347)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
When: 12:30 PM Arizona Time<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Where: United Center \u2014 Chicago, Illinois<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Watch: Arizona\u2019s Family 3TV, Arizona\u2019s Family Sports, NBATV<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Suns are about to play their 78th game of the season (yeah, the postseason is coming in fast), and it\u2019ll be their final matchup against an Eastern Conference team: the Chicago Bulls.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
About a month ago, Phoenix got caught off guard by this same team, losing by just two points in a messy and somewhat concerning game. The Suns never even held the lead, largely due to poor shooting: 39% from the field, 28% from three, and 67% from the free-throw line.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
As for recent form, it hasn\u2019t been pretty for either side. The Suns are 3\u20137 over their last 10 games, while the Bulls are even worse at 2\u20138, including a five-game losing streak. One team is trying to regain confidence and rhythm to secure the 7th seed, while the other is basically playing for nothing. Too far from the Play-In, too far from the lottery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
- \n
- Amir Coffey \u2014 QUESTIONABLE (Left Ankle)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Haywood Highsmith \u2014 OUT (Right Knee)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\n- \n
- Zach Collins \u2014 OUT (Right Toe)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Noa Essengue \u2014 OUT (Left Shoulder)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Josh Giddey \u2014 QUESTIONABLE (Left Hamstring)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Lachlan Olbrich \u2014 PROBABLE (Plantar Fascia)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Nick Richards \u2014 QUESTIONABLE (Right Elbow)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Collin Sexton \u2014 PROBABLE (Right Finger)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Anfernee Simons \u2014 OUT (Left Styloid)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
\nThe Suns are facing a Chicago team that plays at one of the fastest paces in the league (3rd this season), driven by transition engines like Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Collin Sexton. The first key matchup will be tempo control: Booker needs to dictate a more controlled pace against a team that constantly wants to run, and fast, rushed basketball hasn\u2019t exactly worked out for Phoenix lately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nAnother key factor is the matchup between Matas Buzelis and the Suns\u2019 wings. Buzelis has taken a real leap this season. He\u2019s not in the MIP race, but his improvement is undeniable. He\u2019s long, offensively versatile, and has no problem putting up double-digit rebounding performances. If given too much freedom, he can be dangerous\u2014Brooks, Fleming, and the rest will need to stay locked in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nFinally, the battle inside could be intense: Mark Williams (if he plays), Oso Ighodaro, Khaman Maluach, Guerschon Yabusele, Nick Richards, and Jalen Smith will all be involved. The Bulls are the second-best defensive rebounding team (34.8 per game), while the Suns rank 4th in offensive rebounds. This could turn into a real war in the paint in Chicago.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nThe first key is simple: slow the game down. Chicago is only dangerous when they control the pace. If Phoenix dictates tempo, forces the Bulls into half-court sets, and limits turnovers, the advantage shifts immediately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nThe second focus is attacking Chicago\u2019s perimeter defense, one of the weakest in the league (24th this season). Booker, Green, and Gillespie need to hunt switches, go at Giddey and Tre Jones, and generate open looks for O\u2019Neale, Allen, Fleming. Or even Oso Ighodaro (okay, maybe not him).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nDefensive discipline is also crucial. The Suns need to rediscover consistency in their help defense, traps, and pick-and-roll coverage. Mistakes will happen, that\u2019s inevitable \u2014 but they need to be minimized. This is the kind of game where you clean things up and prepare for bigger challenges ahead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nLastly, Phoenix absolutely has to win the non-Booker minutes, which is a recurring issue. That means giving clear playmaking responsibility to Green, Gillespie, or even Allen, running simple sets (Spain PnR, ghost screens, off-ball actions), and leaning into Oso\u2019s simplicity. A more defensive-minded lineup could also help create extra possessions and tempo swings \u2014 which, in 2026, is basically the foundation of winning basketball.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nIf these three levers are pulled, the Suns should be in control.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nI don\u2019t expect an easy game. Not at all. It should be fast-paced and entertaining, and if the shot-making is there, we could see a really fun matchup between two teams with completely different approaches to tempo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nThat said, Phoenix is still the better team (and nearly at full strength), so I\u2019m going with a solid win for the Suns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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- Noa Essengue \u2014 OUT (Left Shoulder)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Haywood Highsmith \u2014 OUT (Right Knee)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n