The Chicago Bulls look to end their five-game losing streak against the disappointing Phoenix Suns at the United Center on February 22. Phoenix hasn't fared much better than Chicago in recent outings, losing four consecutive games. Furthermore, the Suns have won once in their last eight tries.
While the Bulls' lack of success is to be expected, especially after trading leading scorer Zach LaVine earlier this month, the Suns are an anomaly. Phoenix possesses one of the better one-two punches in the NBA. Moreover, Phoenix has been determined to improve, considering its middling record. The Suns have made three trades this season, including a trade deadline deal to acquire Cody Martin from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Jusuf Nurkic.
However, Martin has yet to take the floor in Phoenix. The 6-foot-5 wing has remained out of the lineup since late January. Nonetheless, missing a role player isn't an excuse for the Suns' porous February record. Phoenix has missed Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant at different times as of late, but the trio are off the injury report and in the lineup for today's bout.
Numerous Bulls added to the injury report following Thursday night's contest
Conversely, the Bulls aren't nearly as healthy as the Suns. Of course, Chicago will be without Patrick Williams after it was announced he'd miss at least two weeks following platelet-rich plasma injections to his right knee. Aside from Williams, Chicago will be without big man Jalen Smith. The reserve center took a shot to the face in Thursday's bout against the New York Knicks. Smith was consequently diagnosed with a concussion.
Smith wasn't the only Bull to suffer an injury in the 113-111 overtime loss to the Knicks. Ayo Dosunmu left the contest in overtime, clutching his left wrist as he exited. The 25-year-old guard suffered a stinger in his left shoulder. The 6-foot-5 guard was unable to raise his arm above his head. Days later, Dosunmu's injury has been deemed as left shoulder soreness.
Two more Bulls popped up on the injury report ahead of Saturday's affair. Starters, Josh Giddey and Nikola Vucevic. Fortunately, the duo are expected to play, each receiving a probable designation. Giddey is dealing with a right wrist sprain, while Vooch has a sore right calf.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Phoenix Suns
The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
Chicago Bulls
Out: Jalen Smith (Concussion), Patrick Williams (Right Quadriceps Tendon Soreness).
Questionable: Ayo Dosunmu (Left Shoulder Soreness).
Probable: Josh Giddey (Right Wrist Sprain), Nikola Vucevic (Right Posterior Tibialis Soreness).
Phoenix Suns
Out: Cody Martin (Sports Hernia).