It will be a East versus West matchup on Friday night as the Chicago Bulls (15-16) take on the Phoenix Suns (20-11). The Bulls will host this one at the United Center with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 pm ET.
The Phoenix Suns have gotten off to a good start this year and currently sit in fourth in the Western Conference. They come into this one, having lost their last game to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, 124-121. In the loss, Devin Booker led the way with 33 points.
Despite being one game under .500, the Bulls have been one of the NBA’s hottest teams. They have won five of their last six games, including a 133-126 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday. They will be looking to improve their 7-9 record at the United Center as they host the Suns.
Phoenix is the favorite despite playing on the road. They are -220 to win while the Bulls’ moneyline sits at +180. The spread features Chicago +5.5.
By The Numbers
Offensively, Chicago has been the more impressive team to this point. In terms of scoring, they rank 6th averaging 115.3 points per game, and have averaged 125 over their last three games. Phoenix ranks 14th, averaging 113.5 points per game (127 over their last three).
Defensively, it is all Phoenix. They rank 4th in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 108.1 points per game. Chicago falls to 24th in the NBA, allowing 115.1 points per game.
Phoenix Trying To Hold Their Own In Loaded West
The Western Conference is loaded with talent this season, and Phoenix is right in the middle of that talent pool. Only a game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for third in the West, the Suns hope to keep pace in the conference and build on their 9-5 road record.
The Suns have a nice one-two punch in guards Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The two just received All-Star nods, and for a good reason. Booker is averaging 25 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, while Paul is averaging 16.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8.6 assists.
The Suns have a ton of depth, too. Deandre Ayton (14 points, 11.8 rebounds), Mikal Bridges (13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds), Cameron Johnson (10.7 points, 3.6 rebounds), Dario Saric (10.6 points, 4.1 rebounds), and Jae Crowder (10.4 points, five rebounds) have all been major contributors.
Bulls Out To Prove They Are Playoff Worthy
With three straight wins, the Bulls have propelled themselves to sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. While the East is certainly the weaker of the two conferences, there is an excitement surrounding this Bulls team that hasn’t been in Chicago for years.
Leading the way for the Bulls is recently elected All-Star, Zach LaVine. This season, he is averaging 28.8 points on 52.3% shooting. He is also averaging 5.3 rebounds, five assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
Other notable contributors include Coby White (15.7 points, five rebounds, 5.2 assists), Wendell Carter Jr. (13.3 points, 7.8 rebounds), Thaddeus Young (11.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists), and rookie Patrick Williams (10.2 points, 4.8 rebounds).
Taking Chicago And The Points
Don’t be fooled by the Bulls’ record. They have been playing some phenomenal basketball as of late and have been led by All-Star Zach LaVine.
With such a young team, inconsistency is expected, but when they are on, they can run with most teams in the NBA. I wouldn’t blame you if you took Phoenix, but for my money, I like Chicago since they are being spotted 5.5 points.
