Bulls vs. Sun. Return of Vinny's old team.

The Phoenix Suns will make their only visit to Chicago tonight, fresh off a 10 point victory in Indy that featured Amare going off for 49, yikes! The supremely talented Stoudemire is already being touted as an MVP candidate, and could solidify that talk with back to back big performances. His wide ranging offensive game featuring mid-range jumpers, easy dunks and plenty of free throws will be very challenging for the Bulls big men, specifically Tyrus Thomas, who is a better weakside defender. Good news for the Bulls, word on the street is Phoenix will be playing short handed without Shaq, getting rest to prepare for Bogut tomorrow in Milwaukee, and without Matt Barnes, on paternity leave. This gives the Bulls an excellent opportunity to win a tough game.

The Bulls are not without problems of their own, coming into this game losers of two straight. The Bulls starters have struggled getting out of the gate and there is a rumbling that a line-up change may be in store tonight. Mike Mcgraw suggests that Thabo may be the odd man our in favor former 6th man Ben Gordon. While I am not an advocate of Gordon starting, the lineup could be successful tonight against a team plays a smaller backcourt to start. Luol Deng was also grumbling through the media subtly echoing my criticism of the Bulls offensive sets "We have to find sets that we're productive from and try to give teams different looks. We stayed with similar sets, especially in the fourth quarter. We have to switch it up a little bit.'' Of course Vinny opted for the tough guy routine in saying "They're the players; I'm the coach, I don't take [their comments] into account." Del Negro must pick his battles carefully to maintain control of the locker room.

I am most excited for the matchup of Derrick Rose vs. Steve Nash. The two-time former MVP may have lost a step, but school will certainly be in session for the Derrick Rose. Nash does not like to play defense, so Rose could get the best of this match-up. Both teams will look to push the pace, though Phoenix has shown they can do so efficiently. The Bulls must force the Suns' out of their comfort zone by making them play defense and shutting down the running game. I predicted the Suns to be a team on the decline this season and so far they are proving me wrong. With the Suns playing shorthanded tonight, this is a game the Bulls can win.

Projected Starters

Phoenix Suns

C - Amare Stoudemire
PF - Boris Diaw ?
SF - Grant Hill ?
SG - Rajah Bell
PG - Steve Nash

Chicago Bulls

C - Drew Gooden
PF - Tyrus Thomas
SF - Luol Deng
SG - Ben Gordon ?
PG - Derrick Rose

Larry Hughes will continue wearing a suit for the Bulls. Shaq and Matt Barnes could miss tonight's game for Phoenix.

To look behind enemy lines check out The Rising Suns and Bright Side of the Sun. Also read the official Phoenix game notes.