Bulls Edge Suns in Competitive NBA Matchup
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · United Center
Chicago Bulls 124, Phoenix Suns 117, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Phoenix Suns vs Chicago Bulls?
Chicago Bulls beat Phoenix Suns 124-117 at United Center on October 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Phoenix Suns vs Chicago Bulls?
Phoenix Suns were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
The Chicago Bulls secured a 124-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns at the United Center, marking the Bulls' first win of the season and dropping the Suns to 0-3. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it was the beginning of a new series, with the Bulls looking to build on their home advantage while the Suns sought to turn around their early-season struggles.
The Bulls entered the game with a home record of 1-0, while the Suns faced an uphill battle with an away record of 0-2. Chicago's recent form had been concerning, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, including a two-game losing streak. They averaged 116.2 points scored but allowed 126.8 points per game during that stretch. In contrast, the Suns had a more balanced recent record of 5-5, though they were also coming off a loss, averaging 113.5 points scored and allowing 110.5 points in their last ten games.
At home, the Bulls had struggled, showcasing a 0-3 record in their last three home games, while the Suns had a slightly better away record of 3-4. The two teams had met previously in the same season, with the Bulls winning one of the two encounters. Their last meeting before this game was on April 5, 2026, where the Bulls lost to the Suns 110-120.
In terms of injuries, the Bulls had several players listed as Day-To-Day, including Zach Collins (toe), Jaylin Sellers (back), Tre Jones (hip), and Nic Claxton (hamstring). The Suns were missing Mark Williams, who was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. These absences could have played a role in the dynamics of the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Suns favored by 2.5 points, with a total points line set at 228.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the expectations for both teams based on their early-season performances.
As the game unfolded, the Bulls managed to maintain a slight edge, showcasing resilience in the fourth quarter. Key plays included Leonard Miller's driving layup and alley-oop dunk, which helped the Bulls extend their lead. Pat Spencer also contributed significantly with crucial free throws and a three-point jumper that kept the Suns at bay.
The conditions at the United Center were conducive to a high-paced game, and the crowd was energized, supporting the Bulls as they sought to capitalize on their home court. The final score of 124-117 reflected a hard-fought contest, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and struggle.
Overall, this game highlighted the Bulls' potential to bounce back after a rough start, while the Suns will need to regroup and address their early-season challenges as they continue their campaign.
What we said beforehand
The Chicago Bulls will face off against the Phoenix Suns at the United Center on October 8, 2026, in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. This game marks the start of their series, with the Bulls looking to capitalize on their home court advantage against a Suns team that is coming off a loss in their season opener.
The Bulls enter this game with a home record of 0-0, while the Suns have an away record of 0-1 after losing to the Detroit Pistons 109-107. The last time these two teams met was on April 5, 2026, where the Bulls fell to the Suns with a score of 120-110. In their previous two meetings this season, the teams are tied with one win each, indicating a competitive rivalry.
Recent form shows that the Bulls have struggled, with a record of 2-8 over their last ten games, currently on a two-game losing streak. They have averaged 116.2 points scored per game but have allowed 126.8 points, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Their last five games resulted in two wins against the Washington Wizards and three losses, including a significant defeat against the Dallas Mavericks, where they lost 149-128.
The Suns, on the other hand, have a slightly better recent record of 5-5 over their last ten games but are also on a one-game losing streak. They have averaged 113.5 points scored and allowed 110.5 points per game. In their last five outings, they managed to secure two wins but recently lost to the Pistons, which could impact their momentum heading into this game.
In terms of home versus away performance, the Bulls have struggled at home with a record of 0-3 in their last three home games, while the Suns have a better away record of 2-1 in their last three games. This could play a significant role in the outcome of the game, as the Bulls will be looking to improve their home performance.
Injury concerns could also affect the Bulls, as they have several players listed as day-to-day, including Zach Collins (toe), Jaylin Sellers (back), Tre Jones (hip), and Nic Claxton (hamstring). The Suns will be without Mark Williams, who is out due to a shoulder injury. The status of these players could impact both teams' strategies and overall performance.
The betting market has priced the Suns as 2.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 228.5 points. The odds suggest that the game could be competitive, with both teams capable of scoring, but the Suns are favored to come out on top based on their recent performance.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how the Bulls respond to their recent struggles and whether they can leverage their home court to secure a win. Additionally, the performance of the Suns' offense, particularly in overcoming their recent loss, will be a key factor to monitor. With both teams having something to prove, this matchup is sure to be an exciting start to their series.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PHX -2.5 | 228.5 o -115 / u -105 | Phoenix Suns -135 · Chicago Bulls +114 |
Injury report
- Zach CollinsDay-To-DayToeChicago Bulls
- Jaylin SellersDay-To-DayBackChicago Bulls
- Tre JonesDay-To-DayHipChicago Bulls
- Nic ClaxtonDay-To-DayHamstringChicago Bulls
- Mark WilliamsOutShoulderPhoenix Suns
Leaders
- PointsCaleb Wilson15Chicago Bulls
- AssistsJosh Giddey7Chicago Bulls
- ReboundsTobe Awaka11Chicago Bulls
- PointsDillon Brooks24Phoenix Suns
- AssistsKhaman Maluach4Phoenix Suns
- ReboundsKhaman Maluach7Phoenix Suns
Recent form
Chicago Bulls
Last 10: 2-8Streak L2116.2 scored · 126.8 allowed per game0-3 at home
- L128-149at Dallas MavericksApr 13
- L103-127vs Orlando MagicApr 11
- W119-108at Washington WizardsApr 9
- W129-98at Washington WizardsApr 7
- L110-120vs Phoenix SunsApr 5
- L96-136at New York KnicksApr 3
- L126-145vs Indiana PacersApr 2
- L114-129at San Antonio SpursMar 31
- L124-125at Memphis GrizzliesMar 29
- L113-131at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 28
Phoenix Suns
Last 10: 5-5Streak L1113.5 scored · 110.5 allowed per game3-4 away
- L107-109at Detroit PistonsOct 5
- W135-103at Oklahoma City ThunderApr 13
- L73-101at Los Angeles LakersApr 11
- W112-107vs Dallas MavericksApr 9
- L105-119vs Houston RocketsApr 8
- W120-110at Chicago BullsApr 5
- L107-127at Charlotte HornetsApr 2
- L111-115at Orlando MagicMar 31
- W131-105at Memphis GrizzliesMar 31
- W134-109vs Utah JazzMar 29
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Clippers | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Golden State | 0.5 | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| LA Lakers | 0.5 | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Sacramento | 1 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
| Phoenix | 1.5 | 2 | L2 | .000 | 0 |
| Indiana | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Chicago | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Detroit | - | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Milwaukee | 0.5 | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| Cleveland | 0.5 | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Phoenix Suns | Chicago Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-84 | 42-83 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 11-36 | 12-33 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 36 |
| Free throws | 26-34 | 28-32 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 23 |
| Assists | 25 | 30 |
| Steals | 14 | 13 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 26 | 21 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 36 | 30 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 52 |
| Fouls | 32 | 30 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 58 | 39 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter85-83Patrick Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Buddy Hield assists)
- 3rd Quarter88-83Collin Gillespie makes 24-foot three pointer (Khaman Maluach assists)
- 3rd Quarter88-85Tobe Awaka makes dunk (Noa Essengue assists)
- 3rd Quarter89-85Collin Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter90-85Rasheer Fleming makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter90-88Buddy Hield makes 26-foot three pointer (Leonard Miller assists)
- 3rd Quarter90-91Patrick Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Buddy Hield assists)
- 3rd Quarter90-92Dailyn Swain makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter90-93Dailyn Swain makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-95Tobe Awaka makes driving layup (Dailyn Swain assists)
- 4th Quarter92-95Khaman Maluach makes layup (Ryan Dunn assists)
- 4th Quarter92-97Caleb Wilson makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot (Dailyn Swain assists)
- 4th Quarter94-97Jamaree Bouyea makes 1-foot two point shot (Khaman Maluach assists)
- 4th Quarter94-98Dailyn Swain makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-99Dailyn Swain makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-99Jamaree Bouyea makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter96-101Caleb Wilson makes driving layup (Dailyn Swain assists)
- 4th Quarter96-103Tobe Awaka makes 15-foot two point shot (Dailyn Swain assists)
- 4th Quarter99-103Jamaree Bouyea makes 23-foot three point jumper (Pat Spencer assists)
- 4th Quarter101-103Ryan Dunn makes layup
- 4th Quarter101-106Tobe Awaka makes 24-foot three point jumper (Drew Peterson assists)
- 4th Quarter102-106Khaman Maluach makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-106Khaman Maluach makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-106Pat Spencer makes 26-foot running jump shot (Jamaree Bouyea assists)
- 4th Quarter108-106Jamaree Bouyea makes 1-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter108-109Drew Peterson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Noa Essengue assists)
- 4th Quarter108-110Noa Essengue makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-111Noa Essengue makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-113Brandon Boston Jr. makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter108-115Tobe Awaka makes driving layup (Caleb Wilson assists)
- 4th Quarter108-117Caleb Wilson makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-117Koa Peat makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter110-119Leonard Miller makes driving layup (Drew Peterson assists)
- 4th Quarter111-119Pat Spencer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-119Pat Spencer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-119Ryan Dunn makes driving layup (Jamaree Bouyea assists)
- 4th Quarter114-121Leonard Miller makes alley oop dunk (Dailyn Swain assists)
- 4th Quarter117-121Pat Spencer makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ryan Dunn assists)
- 4th Quarter117-123Leonard Miller makes layup (Drew Peterson assists)
- 4th Quarter117-124Leonard Miller makes free throw 1 of 1
Win probability
Above the line favours Chicago Bulls, below favours Phoenix Suns.
Venue
- United CenterChicago, IL
- Attendance16362
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Nate Cearley, Chelisa Painter, Scott Foster, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Jenna Schroeder
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- Suns Defeat Bulls 120-110 at United CenterApr 5, 2026
- Bulls Edge Suns in Close ContestMar 5, 2026