Running with the Bulls

Phoenix Suns (16-37) v Chicago Bulls (26-27)

Wednesday 2/10/2017 8:0pm
Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ
ESPN/Arizona Sports 98.7FM

Season Series – Series tied 0-0
All-Time Series – Chicago leads 68-65
Last Matchup – December 7, 2015 Phoenix won 103-101
Suns’ Last Game – Loss to the Loss to the Memphis Grizzlies 110-91
Bulls’ Last Game –Loss to the Golden State Warriors 123-92
Suns’ Scoring Averages – PTS/G: 106.3 (11th of 30) Opp PTS/G: 112.6 (29th of 30)
Bulls’ Scoring Averages – PTS/G: 102.4 (23rd of 30) Opp PTS/G: 102.5 (7th of 30)

Preview

Phoenix looks to rebound from their rough three game losing skid, losing by at least 16 points in each matchup. Their last game against the Grizzlies ended in scuffle in the waning monents of the fourth quarter. With1:14 left in the game, Devin Booker fouled Troy Daniels on a three-point attempt resulting in a four-point play opportunity. Daniels turned to Booker and had some choice words, resulting in Alan Williams and Tyler Ulis coming to Booker’s defense with some pushing and shoving. In the end, six players received technical fouls and three were ejected. This emotional outburst might have been the result of the Suns 37th loss in a frustrating season. For coming off of the bench during the fight, Alex Len will be suspended for tonight’s game.

The Bulls are on their own emotional rollercoaster. Aside from Jimmy Butler, Dwayne Wade, and Rajan Rondo’s media antics, the Bulls just lost by 31 to the Warriors, 92-123 on Wednesday. Butler is a game time decision tonight with a bruised right heel but Wade is back from his upper respiratory illness which held him out against the Warriors.

This will be the first game of the year these two teams have played each other. Their last encounter resulted in a 103-101 victory for Phoenix back in 2015. The gap between matchups which stretched beyond 2016 was the first time the two teams had not met at least once in a calendar year (in a non-lockout year) since 1991. In that battle both teams last year looked very different and Brandon Knight and Mirza Teletovic led the Suns in scoring with 21 and 20 points respectfully. The Bulls roster has had a drastic overhaul since that game as well. Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol, and Tony Snell all played significant minutes against the Suns. Gasol led the Bulls with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting 7 for 13 from the field in only 25 minutes.