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The Phoenix Suns (26-29) and the Chicago Bulls (22-34) are aiming to turn things around and secure a victory this Saturday at 5 PM ET (League Pass). The Suns are currently on a four-game losing streak and have dropped seven of their last eight contests, while the Bulls are seeking to break their five-game skid.
Here are five key points to consider before the game:
1. **Royce O’Neale’s Impressive Form:** In February, O’Neale has showcased an outstanding level of play. Over the past eight games, the seasoned forward has averaged 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, shooting 47.0% from beyond the arc in 30.1 minutes per game. He recorded a season-high 27 points with six three-pointers in last Thursday’s loss to San Antonio. For the season, O’Neale is achieving career-best numbers with 9.9 points per game and a 41.5% success rate from three-point land.
2. **Fast Break Dynamics:** The Bulls come into this matchup positioned seventh in fast break scoring, averaging 17.0 points per game, and they rank third in pace at 103.57. Conversely, the Suns struggle defensively against fast breaks, allowing 16.7 points each game, which places them 25th in the league. Chicago will aim to take advantage of Phoenix in transition.
3. **Three-Point Accuracy:** Both squads are among the league’s top ten in three-point shooting percentage, setting the stage for a high volume of three-point attempts in this matchup. The Suns currently rank fifth with a 37.5% shooting rate, while the Bulls sit ninth with 36.9%. Chicago is particularly prolific from beyond the arc, averaging 43.1 attempts per game, the second-highest in the league, contributing to 46.9% of their total field goal attempts.
4. **Matas Buzelis Finding His Rhythm:** Buzelis, the 11th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, is receiving increased playing time recently. In his last five games, all as a starter, the rookie from Chicago has posted averages of 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 25.6 minutes. Previously, while coming off the bench on February 4, he exploded for a career-high 24 points, shooting a perfect 10-for-10 from the field, including four-for-four from three-point distance.
5. **Josh Giddey’s Scoring Excellence:** Giddey is another player for the Bulls enjoying a productive stretch in February. The 22-year-old Australian guard has scored in double figures in all seven games this month, showcasing his three-point shooting prowess as well. In these last seven games, he has averaged 18.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.3 steals, with shooting percentages of 48.9 FG%, 47.4 3PM%, and 77.8 FT% over 30.9 minutes. In a recent overtime loss to New York on Thursday, Giddey recorded his 16th double-double of the season, tallying a personal best of 27 points alongside 16 rebounds.
