Today's key: Defend the 3

The Bulls have been scoring more points since Jim Boylan took over as head coach. At least, they were before Friday's 90-77 loss to Charlotte.

Both ends of the court will get a workout today when the Bulls host the high-scoring Phoenix Suns, who are averaging a league-best 110 points per game.

The Suns have made at least 9 baskets from 3-point range in 11 consecutive games and drained 17 of 33 in Friday's win at Cleveland. Guarding the 3-point line has been one of the Bulls' worst traits this season.

"Our team defense really needs a lot of work, as far as getting on the weak side and stopping penetration," Boylan said following Saturday's light practice. "The other area which has been really hurting us has been our 1-on-1 defense on the perimeter; trying to just play people off the dribble, keeping them out of the lane, and out of areas that really cause a lot of pressure when they drive hard to the hoop and you have to rotate and stop the ball. So definitely a defensive adjustment is needed."

Thabo finds post: Opposing teams try to post up against the Bulls' small guards all the time. The Bulls finally managed to turn the tables in the third quarter of Friday's loss to Charlotte.

With 6-foot-7 Thabo Sefolosha being defended by Bobcats guard Matt Carroll, the Bulls isolated Sefolosha and scored with ease. On four straight trips down the court, the Switzerland native scored 7 points, missing only a free throw. The Bulls trimmed an 11-point deficit to 5 by focusing on that matchup.

Charlotte eventually made a substitution and the strategy ended. But considering that Carroll is 6-6, Sefolosha should be able to create mismatches against a wide variety of opponents. Sefolosha probably plays even taller than 6-7 because of his long arms.

"It's definitely something I can work on," Sefolosha said. "I was doing that in France and Italy a lot."

Injury report: There will be several game-time decisions for the Bulls today, including Ben Gordon (sprained right wrist), Joe Smith (sore right knee), Chris Duhon (left knee bruise) and Thabo Sefolosha (abdominal strain).

Smith had fluid drained from his knee after Friday's game, when he played the first 10 minutes and didn't return. Coach Jim Boylan said Smith was feeling better on Saturday.

"It relieved quite a bit of the pressure that was building up in there," Boylan said of the fluid removal. "Du was a little sore today, but I would assume he'll play."

Duhon played 13 minutes Friday after missing two games with the knee injury. Sefolosha was hurt last Monday in Memphis and was able to practice Saturday.

Bull horns: The Bulls would have been alone in eighth place in the East today if they had beaten Charlotte on Friday. ... There is no local television for today's Bulls-Suns game. It was originally slated to be on ABC, but thanks to the Bulls' disappointing record, it was dropped by the network and replaced by Boston at Orlando.

Today's tipoff

Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns at the United Center, noon

TV: none

Radio: WMVP 1000-AM

Update: The Bulls have endured frustrating losses the last two times Phoenix came to town. Last year on Jan. 2, the Bulls lost 97-96 when Suns guard Leandro Barbosa drilled a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds remaining. Phoenix (31-13) bounced back from a surprise loss in Minnesota to beat Cleveland 110-108 on Friday night. The Suns hit 17 of 33 shots from 3-point range against the Cavs.

Fast facts: The Suns are averaging a league-high 110 points and have six players averaging at least 12 points, led by center Amare Stoudemire at 22.7. ... Grant Hill (15.2 ppg) may not play today because of back spasms.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday at the United Center, 7:30 p.m.

-- Mike McGraw