Beal is the third option, but if the Suns move the ball and move bodies, he can be the one who gets open looks off how the defense reacts to Durant and Booker. On Beal’s dagger 3, Chicago chose to double Durant essentially at half court.

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer benched Beal back on Jan. 6 at Philadelphia and replaced him with rookie Ryan Dunn. Beal hadn't come off the bench since his fourth NBA season in 2015-16, but is now back in the starting lineup along with Devin Booker, Royce O'Neale, Kevin Durant and Nick Richards.

CHICAGO – Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal had every right to thoroughly enjoy hitting the biggest shot in Saturday night’s 121-117 win over the Chicago Bulls at United Center. After nailing a dagger 3 to give the Suns a six-point lead with 13.

This is the first Suns-Bulls matchup this season. They will meet again March 19 in Phoenix. Phoenix continues its road trip Sunday at Toronto for a 4 p.m. game Sunday before concluding it Tuesday at Memphis.

Target the Over for Bradley Beal's points prop as the Phoenix Suns seek to take advantage of the Chicago Bulls ill-equipped defense for today's pick and prediction.

The Suns and Bulls are both coming off losses as Phoenix dropped a contest at San Antonio on Thursday (120-109), while Chicago lost at New York in OT (113-111). This is the first meeting of two for the season between the two. Phoenix has won the last five meetings versus Chicago.

Photos from the Chicago Bulls’ 121-117 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 22, 2025, at the United Center. Suns guard Devin Booker, left, and Bulls guard Lonzo Ball get tangled up on the floor while chasing a loose ball in the first half on Feb. 22, 2025, at the United Center. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Analyzing Saturday’s Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Phoenix is still struggling, so Saturday Coach Bud moved Beal back into the starting lineup and the result was him dropping 25 points — with the Suns’ big three of Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combining to score 81 — in a win over the Chicago Bulls, 121-117, snapping a two-game Phoenix losing streak.

Kevin Durant is off the injury report and is expected to play against the Chicago Bulls on Friday at the United Center.