Bulls vs. Suns Betting Predictions & Analysis

Chicago Bulls (41-28 SU, 37-31-1 ATS) vs. Phoenix Suns (56-14 SU, 38-32-0 ATS)

When: Friday March 18 2022, 10:00 PM (ET)

Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona

TV: NBCSCH

Point Spread: CHI +6/PHX -6 (Opened PHX -7 at MyBookie – Use bonus code PREDICT100 and get a 100% real cash bonus up to $300!)

Total: 229.5 (Opened at 229.5)

Money Line: Chicago Bulls 200/Phoenix Suns -249

Power Rating: PHX -8

Probable Starting Lineups

Chicago Bulls PG Ayo Dosunmu, SG Zach LaVine P, SF Javonte Green, PF DeMar DeRozan, C Nikola Vucevic

Phoenix Suns PG Cam Payne, SG Devin Booker, SF Mikal Bridges, PF Jae Crowder Q, C Deandre Ayton

Key Injuries

Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine: Knee (PROBABLE)
Lonzo Ball: Knee (OUT)

Phoenix Suns
Gabriel Lundberg: Personal (OUT)
Jae Crowder: Groin (QUESTIONABLE)
Cameron Johnson: Quadricep (OUT)
Dario Saric: Knee (OUT)
Chris Paul: Thumb (OUT)
Frank Kaminsky: Knee (OUT)

The Phoenix Suns host the Chicago Bulls in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET at the Footprint Center.

Recent Form

The Chicago Bulls come into this game with an overall record of 41-28, placing them 5th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Chicago has struggled in their 34 road contests, sitting at 16-18. Over the Bulls’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, Chicago’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 107.0 points per game. Combined, the Bulls’ last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. In this recent cold stretch, the Bulls are allowing an average of 111.0 points per game, similar to their usual rate of 110.9. In the Chicago Bulls’ most recent game, the team fell to Utah by a score of 125-110.

The Phoenix Suns come into this game with an overall record of 56-14, placing them 1st in the Western Conference. So far, Phoenix is above .500 at home, holding a record of 29-8. The Suns have played well over their last five games, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Phoenix is averaging 125.0 points per game, 10.0 points more than their season average of 114.5. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 111.0 points per contest. The Suns have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 109.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 106.3. In the Phoenix Suns’ most recent game, Phoenix took down Houston by a score of 129-112.

Individual Player Analysis

As Chicago travels to take on the Phoenix Suns, the Bulls’ leading scorer is DeMar DeRozan. Through 65 games, DeRozan is averaging 27 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 54.0% of his games. So far, the Suns are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 49.09% of their games, placing them 17th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Devin Booker leads the Suns in scoring, averaging 25 points across his 67 games. Throughout the season, Booker has outscored his season average in 51.0% of his outings. Given that Chicago’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, Devin Booker should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Bulls have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 53.33% of their games, giving them a rank of 22nd among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Phoenix Suns are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 31 of Phoenix’s 70 games, leading to a winning percentage of 81%. So far, the Chicago Bulls have played 4 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 4 times, by an average margin of -11.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns have met up for 1 game. Phoenix took game one by a score of 127-124.

How the Public is Betting the Bulls vs Suns

67% are betting the Suns against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 230.0

More Picks: Get Joe’s Clippers vs. Jazz Predicted Point Spread Winner 3/18/22 >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Bulls are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 road games.
• Bulls are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
• Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

After spending a decent portion of the season as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls have fallen on hard times, dropping down to the 5th seed. Not only have they been losing, but Chicago is also failing to cover the spread. Over their last 10 contests, they are just 2-8 ATS. On the other side, Phoenix has bounced back from its struggles without Devin Booker. In their last 10 games, the team is 7-3, including three straight wins. Look for Phoenix to cover at home. Be sure to check out the rest of our Friday NBA picks!