NBA Game Preview: Chicago Bulls (25-37) vs. Phoenix Suns (35-26)

0
2

Game Details

  • Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PST).
  • Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ. This provides the Suns with home-court advantage against a Bulls team on a lengthy road skid.
  • Broadcast: Available on CHSN (local for Bulls), AZFamily/Suns+ (local for Suns), and NBA League Pass.

The Chicago Bulls (25-37) visit the Phoenix Suns (35-26) in an interconference matchup. Chicago ranks 12th in the Eastern Conference, while Phoenix holds seventh in the Western Conference, pushing for a stronger playoff position.

Recent Team Forms

Chicago enters on a five-game road losing streak, going 2-8 in their last 10 overall. They recently fell 116-108 to Oklahoma City on March 3, despite strong efforts from reserves, shooting 43.3% FG and committing turnovers in key moments. The Bulls average 115.7 PPG but allow 118+ in losses, with poor road form (9-19 away).

Phoenix is 5-5 in their last 10, but they’ve won their last two at home, including a recent victory showcasing efficient offense. With Booker’s return, they’re poised for a playoff push, averaging 119+ PPG in wins. The Suns play at a moderate pace but excel in forcing turnovers and rebounding.

Injury Report

Injuries heavily favor Phoenix, with Chicago’s depth tested.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusInjury Details
Chicago BullsZach CollinsPFOutRight Toe Surgery
Chicago BullsNoa EssengueFOut for SeasonLeft Shoulder
Chicago BullsJaden IveyGOutLeft Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Chicago BullsAnfernee SimonsGOutLeft Ulnar Styloid Fracture
Chicago BullsMatas BuzelisFQuestionableRight Ankle Sprain
Chicago BullsJosh GiddeyGQuestionableRight Ankle Sprain
Chicago BullsJalen SmithFDoubtfulRight Calf Strain
Chicago BullsPatrick WilliamsFDoubtfulRight Quad Strain
Phoenix SunsMark WilliamsCOutRight Foot
Phoenix SunsDillon BrooksFOutLeft Hand Fracture
Phoenix SunsJordan GoodwinGOutLeft Calf Strain
Phoenix SunsGrayson AllenGProbableRight Knee Management
Phoenix SunsJalen GreenGQuestionableRight Hamstring Strain

Chicago’s extensive list hampers their backcourt and frontcourt; Giddey’s status is key for playmaking.

Phoenix misses Williams’ interior presence but gains from Booker’s return.

Key Player Matchups

With Booker’s return, Phoenix’s backcourt shines against Chicago’s depleted guards:

  • Josh Giddey (CHI, if active) vs. Devin Booker (PHX): Giddey (17.7 PPG, 8.4 APG) brings playmaking but faces Booker’s scoring (24.7 PPG) in his comeback. Booker’s efficiency could exploit Chicago’s perimeter defense.
  • Matas Buzelis (CHI, if active) vs. Jalen Green (PHX, if active): Buzelis’ athleticism meets Green’s explosiveness (potential 20+ PPG). If either sits, it shifts to bench matchups.
  • Jalen Smith (CHI, if active) vs. Grayson Allen (PHX): Smith’s rebounding faces Allen’s shooting (probable). Phoenix’s spacing could pull Chicago thin.
  • Bench Impact: Chicago relies on reserves amid injuries; Phoenix’s depth, including potential Green if questionable, provides scoring punches.

Series History

Phoenix holds a recent edge, winning the last meeting 127-121 on March 19, 2025. Over the last 10 games, the teams are split 5-5, with high-scoring affairs common (over hit in 4 of last 6). All-time, Phoenix leads slightly, but Chicago has won key road games in the past.

Betting Trends

  • Spread: Suns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5; Bulls 2-3 ATS in last 5 but 4-1 ATS as 10+ point underdogs.
  • Total (O/U): Set at 224.5 to 225.5. Over has hit in 4 of Suns’ last 5 home games; Under in 6 of Bulls’ last 10 due to defensive struggles.
  • Trends: Suns 20-12 at home straight up; Bulls on 5-game road skid, 9-19 away.

Game Odds

Chicago Bulls                     224.5

Phoenix Suns                     – 10.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, March 4, 2026