Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 12, 2024

The Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls matchup is one of the three NBA preseason games scheduled for Saturday. This will be Memphis’ third preseason game and Chicago’s second. The Grizzlies previously beat the Dallas Mavericks 121-116 on Monday and lost 119-94 to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. The Bulls defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-112 on Tuesday.

The two teams have faced each other 57 times in the regular season, with Chicago holding a 32-25 lead. They faced each other twice last season, as Chicago swept the series 2-0.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls game details and odds

The Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls game is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT on Saturday, Oct. 12, at United Center. The game will stream live on NBA League Pass. It will also air locally on Chicago Sports Network.

Moneyline: Grizzlies (+125) vs. Bulls (-150)

Spread: Grizzlies (+3) vs. Bulls (-3)

Total (O/U): Grizzlies -110 (o221.5) vs. Bulls -110 (u221.5)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls preview

The Grizzlies are coming off a 119-94 loss to Charlotte. Memphis is dealing with a plethora of injuries, including to stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. If Memphis is to have a better season than last year’s 27-55 finish, the team needs its stars to be healthy. Morant suffered a mild ankle strain during the preseason opener against Dallas, so there’s reason for concern.

The Bulls went through a tumultuous summer, as Zach LaVine was constantly linked to trade rumors. However, he stayed in Chicago. The team lost DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso in the offseason and added Josh Giddey. The former OKC Thunder guard had a decent preseason debut against Cleveland with 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Chicago is finally expected to have Lonzo Ball back after more than two years. When healthy, he is one of the better playmakers in the league. His defensive mentality can also make up for the loss of Caruso.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls predicted starting lineups

Ja Morant (ankle) is unlikely to feature for Memphis for the rest of the preseason. Jaren Jackson Jr. (hamstring), Vince Williams Jr. (stress reaction in upper tibia), Cam Spencer (ankle sprain) and GG Jackson II (right foot) are out as well. Brandon Clarke is day-to-day with knee soreness. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins should start:

PG: Marcus Smart SG: Desmond Bane SF: Santi Aldama PF: John Konchar C: Zach Edey

The Bulls will be without Lonzo Ball on Saturday. The guard said he expects to play in two of the team’s final three preseason games. Coby White (groin tightness) and Talen Horton-Tucker (calf tightness) are day-to-day. Chicago coach Billy Donovan should start:

PG: Josh Giddey SG: Ayo Dosunmu SF: Zach LaVine PF: Patrick Williams C: Nikola Vucevic

Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls prediction

The Grizzlies are plagued with injuries to key players. This should limit their potential to be competitive against the Bulls. Expect Chicago to cover the spread for a win. This should be a low-scoring game with the team total staying under 221.5 points.