Something must have happened in France around 20 years ago, because the number of lengthy defenders that have come out of that country in recent years — Victor Wembanyama, Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, and now Chicago Bulls rookie Noa Essengue — can’t be a coincidence (and should scare the United States in advance of the 2028 Olympic Games).
The Bulls’ final Summer League game will come tonight at 8 p.m. ET against the Utah Jazz, who are still without fifth overall pick Ace Bailey, whose hip soreness has held him out since the Salt Lake City Summer League. Essengue’s status is unclear.
Utah is a three-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook (-155 on the Moneyline), with the point total set for 187.5. Chicago is +130 on the Moneyline. Below, I’ll preview each team and offer a prediction.
Jazz-Bulls Roster Breakdown
It’s a good thing that Jazz fans got to see Bailey in the hometown Summer League, because the franchise has been extremely cautious with their new star. In his absence, the rest of Utah’s young core has thrived — Kyle Filipowski averaged 29.3 points per game across the first three games before getting shut down, and Isaiah Collier ranks second in the competition in assists per game — but the Jazz have only gone 1-3. They’re actually coming off of a win against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, when Cody Williams scored 23 points, Collier added 17, and Max Abmas contributed 15 in 30 minutes off the bench. In a meaningless game, I’d expect Williams and Abmas to lead the team again, with Filipowski, Bailey, Collier, and likely Walter Clayton Jr. out.
Essengue’s summer league has been defined by being on the other end of a nasty poster by the Indiana Pacers’ Johnny Furphy, but the 18-year-old has quietly had a solid Summer League, averaging 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in his first three games before being ruled out for Wednesday’s clash against the Milwaukee Bucks with a hip contusion. In his absence, Chicago’s guard trio of Yuki Kawamura, Javon Freeman-Liberty, and Jahmir Young thrived, combining for 69 points and 12 assists. I’d expect that trio to lead the way again against Utah, especially if Essengue sits. His wiry front-court partner, Matas Buzelis, has almost certainly played his final game until training camp.
Jazz vs. Bulls Pick
Chicago Bulls Moneyline (+120)
The Jazz have rostered some of the better players in Summer League, but with Filipowski and Collier certain to sit, its two NBA-level starters are now done for Summer League. Even if Williams plays, he had one of the least impressive rookie seasons from a lottery pick in league history, and Abmas as a second option is less impressive than the trio of Freeman-Liberty, Kawamura, and Young. Plus, given how raw Essengue is as a prospect, he could benefit more from game time than most lottery picks.
