Monday night features a battle of West versus East as the top-ranked Phoenix Suns (42-10) take on the second-ranked Chicago Bulls (33-20). The Bulls will host this one at the United Center with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 pm ET.
Phoenix comes into this one having won 12 of their last 13 games, including a 95-80 win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday.
In the win, Deandre Ayton had a game-high 20 points to go along with 16 rebounds. Chris Paul had the second-most on the Suns with 14 points and nine assists.
Despite sitting just a half-game back of the Miami Heat in the East, the Bulls have struggled a bit as of late. They have dropped two of their last three, including a 119-108 loss to the 76ers on Sunday.
DeMar DeRozan was fantastic in the loss with 45 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Nikola Vucevic and Javonte Green also combined for 40 points, but the Bulls had no answer to stop Joel Embiid of the 76ers.
The Suns are the favorites Monday night despite playing on the road. They are -255 to win while the Bulls’ moneyline sits at +210. The spread features Chicago +6 (-112).
More Odds
Despite having the second-best record, the Bulls have just the fifth-best odds of winning the East at +1300. The Suns have the second-best odds of winning the West at +250.
In terms of the NBA Finals, the Suns have the third-best odds of winning the championship this season at +500. The Bulls are +2700 to win it all.
By The Numbers
Both of these teams rank in the top ten in scoring. The Suns rank third, averaging 112.7 points per game. The Bulls rank eighth, averaging 111.7 (114.2 at home).
On the defensive side, it is again Phoenix with the edge. They rank sixth in scoring defense, allowing opponents 105 points per game. Chicago ranks 18th as they are allowing 109.8 points per game.
Suns Look To Make Statement On The Road
At 42-10 overall, the Suns have been electric this season. Regardless of home (22-5) or away (20-5), Phoenix has been a tough matchup for any opponent. On Monday, they would love to make a statement to the East by taking down the second-ranked Chicago Bulls.
Leading the way for Phoenix is guard Devin Booker. In 45 games, Booker has averaged 25.2 points to go along with 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and a steal per game.
He hasn’t had to do it alone, though. Both Deandre Ayton (16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds) and Chris Paul (14.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 10.4 assists) have also had fantastic starts to the season.
If that wasn’t enough, Mikal Bridges (12.9 points, 4.3 rebounds) and Cameron Johnson (12.1 points, 4.3 rebounds) have also been averaging double digits.
Depleted Bulls Look To Bounce Back Tuesday Night
With Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso out and Zach LaVine and Coby White nursing injuries, the Bulls have seen a roster built on depth awfully depleted as of late. To make matters worse, this will be the second game of a back-to-back after losing to Philadelphia Sunday.
Technically, LaVine and White are both questionable for Monday, and it wouldn’t be a shocker to see LaVine give it a go. If he can play, this season he has averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
The leading scorer for the Bulls has been All-Star starter DeMar DeRozan. In 48 games, he is averaging 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
Nikola Vucevic has also been solid, averaging a double-double this season. He is putting up 17.5 points and 11.7 rebounds per night to go along with 3.6 assists and 1.2 blocks.
With Ball, White, and Caruso out, Ayo Dosunmu has picked up his play as of late. In his last three games, the rookie has averaged 13 points and 10.3 assists per night.
Take Phoenix To Win And Cover
This one may boil down to the availability of both LaVine and White. If they can both go, taking the Bulls to cover may be the best value.
If they can’t, though, it is tough to see Chicago keeping up with the Suns, especially shorthanded and on limited rest. For that reason, take Phoenix to both win and cover Monday night.
