NBA

Game Preview: Suns got sloppy in Detroit. Can they clean it up in Chicago?

October 7, 2026

The Phoenix Suns’ preseason opener in Detroit ended with a sloppy second half that cost them a one-point loss, as 22 turnovers derailed a 19-point first-half lead. With a new game in Chicago tonight, Suns coach Jordan Ott will demand tighter ball-handling and fewer lost possessions to set a cleaner tone for the season.

The Bulls, meanwhile, debut their new head coach Tiago Splitter in their opener, offering a chance to observe how young forwards Miles Bridges and Zach Collins adapt to Splitter’s aggressive offensive philosophy—one that emphasizes dictating play rather than waiting to react. The Suns’ rotation spotters, including Rasher Fleming and Jordan Goodwin, will also be under scrutiny, particularly their free-throw shooting, which was disastrous in the last preseason game (1-for-10 combined).

Meanwhile, rookie Khaman Maluach’s minutes remain uncertain, as Ott may decide whether to integrate him with the starters or keep him on the bench for now. Norman Powell’s explosive start to the season—three 20-point games in his last four outings—will also present a challenge for Phoenix’s switchable defenders, who must contain him without opening up easy three-point looks.