Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls game prediction and team news
The Chicago Bulls are 58% favorites at home against the Memphis Grizzlies at 43% in Friday's preseason game. The tension is a Bulls frontcourt short on centers against a Grizzlies team still working through its own rotation.
Basketball
By George Karmpoulonis
Prediction markets favor the Chicago Bulls at home, but a thin frontcourt and a sloppy opener give the Memphis Grizzlies a clear path.
The Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls game on Friday, October 9 is the second preseason game for Chicago and the third for Memphis. The Bulls beat the Phoenix Suns 124-117 in their opener under new head coach Tiago Splitter. The Grizzlies are 1-1, with a win at Atlanta and a four-point loss to Orlando.
Both teams are still sorting out their centers. Chicago has Nic Claxton and Zach Collins on the injury list, while Memphis saw Zach Edey play for the first time this preseason on Wednesday. Who is available inside matters most.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls game snapshot
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Tip-off: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
Competition: NBA, 2026–27 preseason
Home team: Chicago Bulls
43%
Memphis Grizzlies win:
Chicago Bulls win: 58%
Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls prediction
Prediction markets for Memphis @ Chicago currently make the Bulls 58% favorites, with the Grizzlies at 43%.
Market data as of October 9, 2026. For the latest market-implied probability, check the OG app.
Chicago's case starts with its first unit. Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, rookie Caleb Wilson and Jalen Smith opened against Phoenix, and the Bulls made 28 of 32 free throws. Powell scored 14 points in only 14 minutes.
The vulnerability is ball security. Chicago committed 24 turnovers against the Suns, so a win that looked comfortable on the scoreboard left plenty to clean up. Memphis can use that if it keeps its own mistakes down.
The Grizzlies' route runs through shooting and sharing the ball. They made 18 of 43 threes at Atlanta and 17 of 45 against Orlando, with 31 or more assists each time. Their problem is the glass.
Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls odds
Memphis Grizzlies win: 43%
Chicago Bulls win: 58%
The prices lean toward home court and a team with a win already banked. They also leave Memphis a real chance, because the Grizzlies have two games of rotation work and a starting group built around Jerome's passing.
Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls game outlook
The central matchup is Memphis' ball movement against Chicago's defensive discipline. The Grizzlies move the ball well, and Chicago's frontcourt rotations will be tested if Claxton is out. If a Chicago big steps up to contest a ball screen, the roll man or a shooter on the weak side gets an open look.
Chicago has its own pressure points. Powell's shooting spaced the floor in the opener, and Splitter built off-ball actions around it. If Memphis chases him over screens, Giddey and Buzelis get more room to attack the lane.
The possession battle may decide the middle quarters. Memphis swung from 19 giveaways at Atlanta to 8 against Orlando. The team that keeps that number low is likelier to turn its shooting into a lead.
Memphis also needs help on the boards. Orlando collected 52 rebounds to the Grizzlies' 40, even though Memphis scored more points in the paint.
Team news and injuries
Memphis Grizzlies
Micah Peavy and Isaiah Stewart are listed day-to-day with ankle injuries. Stewart left the Atlanta game after two minutes, which leaves Edey and Quinten Post as the primary centers. If Stewart sits, Edey's recently added minutes become more important.
Edey played 10 minutes in his preseason debut against Orlando, finishing with two points and four rebounds. The Grizzlies have said the regular season is the goal for his full availability, so a limited workload is the likelier scenario.
Chicago Bulls
Nic Claxton (hamstring), Zach Collins (toe), Tre Jones (hip) and Jaylin Sellers (back) are all listed day-to-day. Splitter has said Claxton will be reevaluated before the October 21 regular-season opener and that Collins is close to returning. If both big men sit, Smith takes the starting center minutes again.
Jones's absence shifted ballhandling to rookie Dailyn Swain off the bench against Phoenix, and he finished with 10 points and six assists. Swain is a likely option again if Jones stays out.
Expected starting lineups
Memphis Grizzlies lineups
Projected starting five:
Ty Jerome
Cedric Coward
Jaylen Wells
Cameron Boozer
Zach Edey
This projection follows Wednesday's starters and assumes Edey is available for another short stint. Post, who started at Atlanta, is the likely alternative at center. GG Jackson is a scoring option off the bench.
Chicago Bulls lineups
Projected starting five:
Josh Giddey
Norman Powell
Matas Buzelis
Caleb Wilson
Jalen Smith
This projection follows the Bulls' opener and assumes the day-to-day players stay out. Tobe Awaka is the main frontcourt reserve.
Key factors that could decide Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls
Can Chicago protect the ball against Memphis?
Giddey and Swain will carry most of the ballhandling load if Jones is out. Live-ball giveaways are what a Memphis offense that shares the ball can turn into threes.
Who controls the glass without a full center group?
The team that keeps a center on the floor for longer stretches gains the more reliable edge on the boards. Chicago gave up second chances against Phoenix, and Memphis gave up the glass to Orlando.
Can Boozer and Jerome keep creating in the half court?
Boozer and Jerome were Memphis' most productive starters against Orlando. If those two keep finding Coward and Wells on the perimeter, Memphis can score without relying on Edey's limited minutes.
What could move Memphis Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls odds?
Chicago's injury report is the biggest swing. Claxton or Collins in the lineup would restore rim protection, while Jones's return would settle the ballhandling problem the bench struggled with against Phoenix.
For Memphis, Stewart's status and the size of Edey's workload matter most. A short Edey appearance or another center out would put more weight on Post and the smaller lineups.
Important information
Prediction is an event contract that is a derivatives product offered by North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc. (NADEX), a CFTC-regulated exchange, which does business under the brand OG.com Prediction Markets (OG). Crypto.com | Derivatives North America uses a CFTC-regulated exchange that uses OG.com technology.
Trading on OG.com involves risk and may not be appropriate for all. By trading you risk losing your cost to enter any transaction, including fees. You should carefully consider whether trading on OG.com is appropriate for you in light of your investment experience and financial resources. Any trading decisions you make are solely your responsibility and at your own risk.
