By Asif Malik Old Town Scottsdale
CHICAGO — The Phoenix Suns continue their preseason road trip tonight against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center, with tip-off at 5 p.m. MST on AZFamily.
The Suns dropped their preseason opener 109-107 at Detroit on Monday, letting a 19-point first-half lead slip away as the Pistons outscored them 59-39 after halftime. Coach Jordan Ott rested his starters — Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Miles Bridges, Oso Ighodaro and Dillon Brooks — for much of the second half, giving the deep bench an extended audition.
“Everything is an audition,” Booker said. “It’s going to be a point and time that one or two of you guys, we’re going to need you guys to get a win.”
The young guys made their case. Jordan Goodwin brought energy off the bench with seven points, six rebounds and three steals in 11 minutes, while rookie Khaman Maluach altered shots around the rim and blocked one in 17 minutes. The one thing to clean up: turnovers, especially among the reserves.
Tonight is Chicago’s first preseason game, and all eyes will be on Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson, the fourth overall pick in the 2026 draft. Expect the Bulls to push the pace.
“The defense will be different,” Ott said. “It’ll look different. They’re offense, I’m sure they will play super fast. That’s what I imagine.”
The Suns return home Saturday for their preseason home opener against the defending Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs at 7:30 p.m. MST.
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