As for how Splitter plans to run his rotation, he said on Tuesday that the group will go deep into the bench. This doesn’t necessarily mean the Bulls’ starters will not get a decent run, but don’t be surprised if they practice an abundance of caution in the opener. <\/p>\n
Prediction: It’s incredibly silly to predict preseason games … but I’m in a goofy mood! Let’s give the win to a far more experienced Suns team. Chicago will win the highlight battle, though! <\/p>\n
How to Watch<\/p>\n
Who:\u00a0Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls
Where:\u00a0United Center
When:\u00a07:00 PM CT
Watch:\u00a0Chicago Sports Network<\/p>\n
Projected Starting LineupsChicago Bulls<\/p>\n
1. Josh Giddey
2. Norman Powell
3. Matas Buzelis
4. Caleb Wilson
5. Jalen Smith <\/p>\n
Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n
1. Devin Booker
2. Jalen Green
3. Dillon Brooks
4. Miles Bridges
5. Oso Ighodaro<\/p>\n
Injury Report![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/01m4bhdswjd9wph7zqbf.jpg\" "\\"Chicago")
<\/p>\n
Sep 28, 2026; Chiacgo, Il, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nic Claxton (9) poses during media day. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n
The Chicago Bulls will be without Nic Claxton for the entirety of the preseason<\/a>. He tweaked his hamstring during training camp and will not be reevaluated until Oct. 19. It’s an unfortunate injury for the team’s newest big man, who seems to be a particularly big part of what Tiago Splitter wants to do defensively. <\/p>\n The Bulls will have Zach Collins in street clothes, as well. He has been dealing with a soft tissue injury but has taken some recent steps in the right direction. There seems to be some hope that he can suit up for Chicago’s second preseason meeting this Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies. <\/p>\n Tiago Splitter revealed a couple of hours before tip-off that Tre Jones and Jaylin Sellers will also take a seat. Jones is dealing with hip soreness and is considered day-to-day. As for Sellers, he is dealing with a back issue. The absence of both guards opens the door for someone to step up as the secondary facilitator. Splitter specifically called out Dailyn Swain as someone who will get an opportunity. <\/p>\n Chicago Bulls<\/p>\n Zach Collins \u2013 OUT (quad) Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n Mark Williams \u2013 OUT (shoulder)<\/p>\n Sign up to our\u00a0free newsletter\u00a0<\/a>and follow us on\u00a0X<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0for the latest news<\/p>\n
Nic Claxton \u2013 OUT (hamstring)
Tre Jones \u2013 OUT (hip)
Jaylin Sellers \u2013\u00a0OUT (back)<\/p>\n
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