It’s the “Battle of the Injury Reports” on Monday night, as the understaffed Chicago Bulls host the remaining Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center.
The Grizzlies (23–43, 11th West) have dropped seven straight games, capped by Friday’s 16-point thumping in Detroit. The Bulls (27–40, 12th East) have rebounded slightly from a literal winless February, though they’ve lost four of their last seven and return to Chicago after back-to-back losses on their tour of Los Angeles.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Memphis Grizzlies
- OUT: Ja Morant (Elbow), Santi Aldama (Knee), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Finger), Brandon Clarke (Calf), Zach Edey (Ankle), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Toe)
- QUESTIONABLE: Walter Clayton Jr. (Ankle)
- DOUBTFUL: Ty Jerome (Shoulder), GG Jackson (Foot)
Chicago Bulls
- OUT: Zach Collins (Toe), Noa Essengue (Shoulder), Jaden Ivey (Knee), Isaac Okoro (Knee), Anfernee Simons (Wrist)
- QUESTIONABLE: Collin Sexton (Leg)
- PROBABLE: Lachlan Olbrich (Calf), Nick Richards (Back)
Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Chicago enters as a 7.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Memphis sits as a +225 underdog. The game’s total is set at 243.5 points.
Grizzlies vs. Bulls Preview
Memphis Grizzlies Preview
All five of Memphis’ top scorers are either hurt or on another team. Ja Morant, Santi Aldama, and Zach Edey remain sidelined, while Ty Jerome is doubtful for Monday’s contest. Jaren Jackson Jr. is also done for the season, though he’ll be rehabbing in Salt Lake City after getting shipped to the Jazz at the deadline. What’s left is certainly one of the rosters of all time.
The Grizzlies are just 3–14 since the trade deadline, hindered by the NBA’s third-worst defense during that stretch. They’re currently mired in a seven-game tailspin, their longest slide of the season. GG Jackson — who has stepped up considerably in an elevated role — is also expected to sit in Chicago, leaving the likes of Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, and Cam Spencer to carry the franchise.
Chicago Bulls Preview
The Bulls have gotten off to a bit of a slow start in March — but fortunately for them, it would have been literally impossible to be worse than they were last month. Chicago didn’t win a single game in February, going 0–11 to produce the worst month in franchise history. Not exactly how they would have liked to celebrate the team’s 60th anniversary — or the 30th anniversary of the 72–10 team.
Like Memphis, the Bulls have also dealt with several injuries and significant roster turnover since the deadline. Still, there appears to be a tad more optimism surrounding their rebuild, which already features a sturdy foundation in do-it-all forward Josh Giddey. The 23-year-old has notched triple-doubles in four of his six games in March, averaging 19.5 points, 11.8 assists, and 11.2 rebounds over that span. Emerging forward Matas Buzelis has also made an impressive sophomore leap, nearly doubling his production in an expanded role.
Grizzlies vs. Bulls Pick, Best Bet
Monday’s showdown between the Grizzlies and the Bulls is shaping up to be an NBA League Pass classic, complete with strained rosters, fading playoff hopes, and historic lows for both franchises.
While Giddey and the Bulls should record a victory over the Grizzlies’ JV team, it’s worth noting that they are just 7–18 against the spread as a favorite this season — and have managed only one win by more than 7.5 points since Jan. 22. Expect a competitive contest between two beleaguered squads.
