Phoenix Suns (6-11) vs Chicago Bulls (3-10)
Sunday 11/19/2017 6:00 PM (MST)
Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ
2017-18 – Series tied 0-0
All-Time Series – Bulls lead 69-66
Last Matchup – Bulls won 128-121
Suns’ Last Game – Beat LA Lakers 122-113
Rockets’ Last Game – Beat Charlotte Hornets 123-120
2017-18 Suns’ Scoring Averages – PTS/G: 107.6 (14th of 30) Opp PTS/G: 116.6 (30th of 30)
2017-18 Bulls’ Scoring Averages – PTS/G: 94.8 (29th of 30) Opp PTS/G:104.2 (10th of 30)
Both teams will come into tonight’s match up on a high, looking to build a winning streak. The Suns previous game was a victory over the rival Los Angeles Lakers 122-113, while the Bulls beat the Hornets in a nail biter 123-120.
These two clubs are clearly in rebuilding mode so expect to see a lot of minutes from a lot of young players. Phoenix has allowed 118.6 points per game over their last 5 while Chicago has given up 113.8 over that stretch. So this could be a shoot out and fans of both teams may be able to enjoy the match. However, seeing that the Suns have scored 112.2 points per night in their last 5 games compared to the Bulls 99.4 points, this could be a blow out in favor of the home team.
Keys To Success
- Out duel their PGs. Tyler Ulis had his best game of the season with 15 points 7 assists at the Lakers. Kris Dunn had a career night with 22 points 7 assists 3 steals vs Hornets.
- Get to the line on offense and don’t foul on defense. Phoenix is 3rd in the league in free throw attempts while Chicago is 30th.
- Guard the 3 point line. The Bulls are 8th in the league in 3 point attempts and they made 17 in their win over the Hornets.
Four Interesting Facts
- These 2 teams may have faced the most turmoil out of any other clubs so far in this young season. Phoenix fired then head coach Earl Watson and traded Eric Bledsoe. Chicago team mates got into an altercation leading Bobby Portis to break multiple bones in Nikola Mirotic’s face.
- Lauri Markkanen, who was drafted out of Arizona returns to the valley for the first time. He is averaging 14.8 points on 36% shooting from beyond the arc along with 7.6 rebounds and .6 blocks.
- Alex Len has been playing like a beast in his last 2 games averaging 13 points 15.5 rebounds and 1 block. He will go up against former Sun Robin Lopez.
- Devin Booker is a man on fire. Over his last 4 games he is scoring 30.5 points per game.