Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls

The Phoenix Suns (42-35) travel to the United Center to face a Chicago Bulls (29-48) team that has effectively checked out on the 2025-26 season. While Phoenix is fighting to protect their postseason positioning in the Western Conference, Chicago has spiraled into a total defensive collapse following their official elimination from playoff contention.

The most significant factor in this matchup is the confirmed absence of Josh Giddey, which was announced during pre-game availability. Giddey is the engine of the Bulls' second-ranked pace, accounting for over 46% of the team's assists. Without his elite playmaking, the offensive burden falls entirely on Collin Sexton and Tre Jones, forcing them into high-usage roles that historically limit their efficiency. This personnel shift occurs while the Bulls' defense is in a state of freefall, surrendering an average of 133.2 points per game over their last five outings. Chicago's defensive rating has plummeted to 123.9 in that span, allowing opponents a massive 58.2% effective field goal percentage.

Phoenix enters this game with a clear motivation advantage and a roster that is finally trending toward full health. Despite a recent rough patch against playoff-caliber teams, the Suns have been clinical against sub-.500 competition, winning their last two games against bottom-tier opponents by an average of 25.5 points. With Devin Booker and Jalen Green both in scoring rhythms, the Suns' offense—which has maintained a +3.8 net rating over the last five games—is perfectly positioned to dismantle a Chicago unit that surrendered a 40-point blowout to the Knicks just two days ago. Given the 22.5% gap in bench scoring and the Bulls' lack of depth without Giddey and potentially Matas Buzelis, laying the points with the motivated favorite is the only logical play.