The Chicago Bulls (25-37) open up another long road trip tonight as they face the Phoenix Suns (35-26) at the Morgage Matchup Arena. After a demoralizing February that saw the team match an 11-game franchise-worst skid, the Bulls briefly found life with a 120-97 win over Milwaukee earlier this week. However, the temporary rejuvenation collapsed following a subsequent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at the United Center.
The injury bug continues to haunt the rotation. Following Patrick Williams and Jalen Smith’s puzzling timetable on their injuries, Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis are both questionable after suffering ankle sprains against OKC, while Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey are remaining sidelined. The Bulls are once again leaning heavily on the "next man up" mentality, with Tre Jones and Collin Sexton tasked with handling the backcourt duties.
The Suns, meanwhile, are finding their groove at the right time. Phoenix is fresh off a victory over the Sacramento Kings, a game that saw the return of Devin Booker from a hip strain, who delivered 17 points and six assists. While they will be without Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks tonight, the Suns boast a top-10 defense (10th in defensive rating) that could prove a huge burden for a Bulls offense that often struggles to last their momentum. If Chicago wants to pull off the upset, it must navigate one of the league’s slowest pace-of-play teams (25th in pace) and find a way to win the interior battle.
Whether the Bulls eventually compromise for tanking or remain aspired for a hope-dimming Play-In goal, the road game tonight isn't just about the box score for Chicago; it's about seeing if the young core can maintain the defensive intensity they showed during the Milwaukee game.
How to Watch
Chicago Bulls (25-37) vs. Phoenix Suns (35-26)
Location: PHX Arena | Phoenix, AZ
Tipoff: Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. CT (9:00 p.m. ET)
TV: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), AZFamily, Suns+ | Announcers: Adam Amin, Stacey King
Radio: WSCR AM 670 | Announcers: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington
Betting Odds (FanDuel)
Betting Line: Suns -10.5
Moneyline: Suns -500, Bulls +385
Over/Under: 224.5
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. The National Council on Problem Gambling help-line is available at 1-800-522-4700.
Injury Report
Chicago Bulls
- Anfernee Simons: Out (Wrist)
- Jaden Ivey: Out (Knee)
- Zach Collins: Out for Season
- Noa Essengue: Out for Season
- Josh Giddey: Questionable (Ankle)
- Matas Buzelis: Questionable (Ankle)
- Patrick Williams: Doubtful (Calf)
- Jalen Smith: Doubtful (Quadricep)
Phoenix Suns
- Dillon Brooks: Out (Hand)
- Mark Williams: Out (Foot)
- Jordan Goodwin: Out (Calf)
Last Game Starters
Chicago Bulls vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (March 3)
- G Josh Giddey
- G Tre Jones
- F Isaac Okoro
- F Matas Buzelis
- C Guerschon Yabusele
Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings (March 3)
- G Collin Gillespie
- G Devin Booker
- G Jalen Green
- F Royce O'Neale
- C Mark Williams