Bulls open five-game road trip in Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ (Basketball News) - The Chicago Bulls will try to put their homecourt struggles behind them as they begin a five-game road trip tonight against the Phoenix Suns at America West Arena.

The Bulls have lost two straight games, including a 98-90 loss to Seattle at the United Center on Saturday evening. Jalen Rose had 19 points in the loss as Chicago fell to 1-6 at home this season. They were 27-15 on their own court during a 30-win 2002-03 campaign.

However, the game did mark the return of center Tyson Chandler for the Bulls. The big man had missed the previous four contests with a bruised lower back and finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Chicago did, however, play without guard Jamal Crawford, who injured his neck in a frightening fall during a loss on Thursday. Crawford is doubtful for tonight’s game.

The Suns are in the midst of a three-game skid, which continued with a 100-91 setback to Detroit on Saturday.

Stephon Marbury and Shawn Marion each scored 19 points to lead the Suns, who tied the game at 84-84 after Jake Voskuhl made a pair of free throws with 3:23 to play. However, Detroit responded with an 11-4 run that put the game away.

Amare Stoudemire ended up with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Joe Johnson netted 14 points before fouling out for the Suns, who shot 46 percent (37- of-80) from the field. Phoenix went just 3-of-17 from beyond the arc and 14- of-17 from the charity stripe.

Suns center Jahidi White had successful surgery on his dislocated pinkie Monday and is expected to miss tonight’s game. However, he should be back in the lineup on Thursday against the Magic.

Three of Chicago’s four wins this season have come on the road, but, in recent history, the Bulls have not played well in Phoenix. Chicago has dropped six straight in Phoenix and is just 2-8 all-time at America West Arena.

The Bulls have yet to win a game against the Western Conference this season, losing in all four meetings with West so far.

Phoenix has won six of the last eight tilts and seven of the last 10 with the Bulls. The Suns are 2-3 this season at home and have won just one of three games against the Eastern Conference.