Sun, 01/27 Suns @ Bulls, Predictions & Comments

Suns-Bulls Preview
By MATT BECKER, STATS Writer
Posted Jan 27 2008 2:03AM

Very little has slowed down the high-powered Phoenix Suns lately. Especially teams from the Eastern Conference.

The Pacific Division-leading Suns look to carry some momentum from a thrilling comeback win and continue their dominance over the East when they wrap up a four-game road trip against the struggling Chicago Bulls on Sunday.

[...]

Phoenix beat the Bulls 112-102 on Nov. 15, and have won six of seven over them since Nash rejoined the Suns before the 2004-05 season. The only loss in that span was a 116-103 setback in Phoenix on Feb. 11, a game Nash missed due to right shoulder inflammation.

[...]

Chicago (17-25) is just 3-11 against the West, and 9-12 at the United Center this season after recording an East-leading 31-10 home record in 2006-07.

The Bulls lost to Charlotte 99-77 at home on Friday, and have dropped five of their last eight. Andres Nocioni scored 25 points for the Bulls, who were out their top two scorers, Ben Gordon (wrist) and Luol Deng (Achilles' tendinitis).

"Our inconsistency showed again," Chicago interim coach Jim Boylan said. "It is difficult to understand why we have problems motivating ourselves. I know we are missing two of our main scorers. We should be able to step up and fill those voids with the guys we have.''

Gordon, who is averaging 19.6 points, was injured in Monday's 104-90 loss at Memphis, and hopes to return for this game. He scored 24 points against the Suns earlier this season, and is averaging 32.8 points in his last four games against them.

Deng, who is averaging 17.9 points, is expected to miss one to three weeks.

Copyright 2007 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited