PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns will try to regroup quickly Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, looking to steady themselves after a surprising loss to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday.
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Mar 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) dribbles down court against Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) in the second quarter at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
The Suns enter the matchup 35-27 in a tight Western Conference race, but their momentum stalled following a 105-103 defeat to a short-handed Chicago team. Phoenix struggled offensively, shooting just 39.1% from the field and 28.3% from 3-point range, while committing 14 turnovers in the loss.
Devin Booker scored 27 points and Grayson Allen added 21, helping the Suns erase most of a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit. Phoenix pulled within one on Booker’s late 3-pointer, but a missed layup in the final seconds ended the comeback bid.
Mar 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) attempts a three point shot against Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) in the fourth quarter at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Friday’s game could serve as both a reset opportunity and a test of focus for Phoenix, which is adjusting its rotation again after losing starting center Mark Williams for two to three weeks with a stress reaction in his left foot.
The Suns have largely handled New Orleans this season and have not yet dropped a game to the Pelicans. Their most recent meeting — a 123-114 win on Dec. 27 — featured balanced perimeter scoring and efficient ball movement, the same formula Phoenix will look to replicate Friday.
Dec 27, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) shoots a jump shot against New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
New Orleans arrives in Phoenix after a 133-123 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 23 points, while six players scored in double figures, highlighting the team’s depth and ball movement.
While the Suns hold an advantage in shot creation behind Booker and their perimeter shooting, New Orleans has recently leaned on balanced scoring and pace to generate offense.
Phoenix is expected to be without Williams (foot), Jordan Goodwin (calf) and Dillon Brooks (hand), which places additional pressure on the Suns’ defensive rotations and interior presence.
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For the Suns, the matchup represents a classic response game. Teams often reveal their resilience after frustrating losses, and the Suns will likely need sharper defensive execution and improved shooting efficiency to avoid giving the Pelicans early confidence.
If Phoenix can limit turnovers and regain its offensive rhythm, the Suns will have an opportunity to quickly turn the page while maintaining their position in the crowded Western Conference playoff race.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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