Memphis Grizzlies vs. Chicago Bulls Game Preview

WHEN: 2:30 PM CT

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (49-28, 15-22 away) vs Chicago Bulls (37-40, 20-18 home)

WHERE: United Center – Chicago, IL

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN: Bally Sports Southeast/92.9 FM ESPN Memphis

INJURY REPORT:

MEMPHIS: Steven Adams (Out, Knee), Brandon Clarke (Out, Achilles), John Konchar (Questionable, Hip), Vince Williams Jr. (Questionable, Hip), Ziare Williams (Out, Ankle)

CHICAGO: Lonzo Ball (Out, Knee), Alex Caruso (Probable, foot), Javonte Green (Probable, foot), Justin Lewis (Out, knee)

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS:

MEMPHIS: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman

CHICAGO: Patrick Beverley, Alex Caruso, Zach Lavine, Demar Derozan, Nikola Vucevic

The Memphis Grizzlies have continued their winning ways, winning eight of their last nine contests, which is the best in the NBA in that span. Ja Morant is back to his dynamic production after his absence, Desmond Bane has scored 20 or more points in 5 straight contests for the first time this season, and the team held the Clippers to under 100 points for the first time in over four weeks on Friday. 

With the playoffs less than two weeks away, Bluff City’s squad will look to continue their hot stretch against the Chicago Bulls, who are 8-4 in their last 12, tied for the third best record in that span. 

Keeping Jaren Involved on Offense

Since his 37-point performance in Morant’s first game back, Jaren Jackson has taken a step back offensively, not eclipsing over 18 points since the all-star returned and is taking 2.9 less shots — even though it may not impact the team’s success for the rest of the regular season. When Memphis’s perimeter players get blitzed and double-teamed in the playoffs, Jackson needs to be an assertive scorer inside. 

With the Bulls being one of the better defensive teams in the NBA as of late, Jackson can use this opportunity to find a way to be an aggressive scorer against tough competition, something he needs to do in order for Memphis to go on a long playoff run this year. 

Performing Better on the Road

While the Grizzlies have the best home record this year, winning 85% of their contests at FedExForum, they have struggled on the road. 15-22 on the year outside of Tennessee, Memphis has won three out of their last four on the road, but the last time they beat a playoff (top-6 in conference) opponent on the road was December 23rd. While Memphis can’t change that statistic in this contest, a victory against one of the hotter teams in the league would build on some of their recent road success to prepare them not only for their final three road games of the regular season, but also for the first round of the playoffs.  

Prediction

When the Grizzlies have turned up the intensity this season, playing with no distractions, no agendas, and no selfishness, they look like a formidable opponent that no one would want to face come playoff time. Their hot streak as of late has been a display of where this team can go if it stays composed. Memphis has won five straight against the Bulls, including four victories by double digits. While Chicago has looked like a rejuvenated team as of late, they do not have the depth to keep up with Memphis in this matchup, the winning will continue for the Grizz. 
Prediction: Memphis 113, Chicago 103