Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls Prediction: Grizzlies in strange funk, the Bulls have improved

Surely, the news of Kyrie Irving getting traded to the Dallas Mavericks has dominated headlines, having widespread implications. The Irving-Nets drama finally came to an end in what was an unfruitful and bitter relationship for most parts. More about that later. Let us jump into the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Chicago Bulls.

The Grizzlies enter the game after losing to the Raptors 103:106 despite a 26 points outing by Desmond Bane. This was Grizzlies’ third straight loss and surprisingly, they have lost eight of their last nine games, two of these losses coming at home. It may not be a coincidence that the losses have piled up in absence of Steven Adams whose rugged screens and rebounding are being missed dearly. Thanks to a solid start, the Grizzlies still have 32 wins and 21 losses but they need to play much better. The defense isn’t performing like before and now the offense is on a vacation too. 

The Bulls enter the game after defeating the Spurs 128:104 as Nikola Vucevic piled up 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort. This was the third straight win for the team, which has now seven of its last ten games, taking advantage of an easy schedule and home-court advantage. Otherwise, things have been rather disappointing as a slow start has halted their progress. They have just 26 wins and 27 losses, not being over the 50% win mark except for the first two weeks of the season. The trio of DeRozan, LaVine, and Vucevic may be in danger of breaking around the trade deadline. 

• Grizzlies: OUT: Steven Adams;
• Bulls: OUT: Lonzo Ball, Javonte Green, Alex Caruso.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Ja Morant(30+ Points), DeMar DeRozan(26-31 Points);
• Expected Leading Playmaker: Ja Morant(9+ Assists);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Nikola Vucevic(11-13 Rebounds), Xavier Tillman(9-12 Rebounds).

The recent play of the Grizzlies has been a shocker because they began the season with such a bang that a 20% win period maybe expected in a five-game window, however such a period has extended to ten games, which means there can be alarm bells. On the other hand, alarm bells have been ringing for Chicago ever since Lonzo Ball got injured last season. Anyway, I expect Memphis to break the three-game winning streak of the Bulls. I expect a scoreline of 122:116 in their favor.