Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions October 28th 2024

Grizzlies vs Bulls October 28th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the Memphis Grizzlies (-272) will host the Chicago Bulls (+224) in a non-conference matchup. The Grizzlies are favored by 7.5 points and the over/under line is set at 234.5.

This game will be played at FedExForum and can be seen on CHSN.

Bulls vs. Grizzlies Key Information

The Bulls fell to 1-2 on the season after a 114-95 loss to the Thunder on Saturday. Chicago was a +9.5 point underdog at home and failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 209 points fell short of the 231-point O/U line.

A 13-0 run by the Thunder turned the game, stretching the score from 39-36 to 49-36. Chicago struggled in the 2nd quarter, getting outscored 33-18, and entered the 4th quarter down 88-65. They won the final quarter 30-26, but it was too late to mount a comeback.

In their 114-95 loss to the Thunder, the Bulls shot just 34.8% from the field, with a three-point percentage of 28.3%. Despite the struggles, they hit 15 threes in the game.

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Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 22 points, hitting 4 threes at 44.4% efficiency. Nikola Vucevic added 18 points and 13 rebounds, making both of his three-point attempts.

Defensively, the Bulls allowed 114 points to the Thunder, with their toughest stretch coming in the 2nd quarter, where they gave up 33 points. Chicago allowed 26 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters and 29 in the 3rd.

Chicago did well in limiting Oklahoma City’s three-point shooting, holding them to just 8 made threes on 20% shooting. The Bulls also sent the Thunder to the line 20 times, where they made 16 free throws.

The Grizzlies improved to 2-1 on the season with a 124-111 win over the Magic on Saturday. Playing at home, Memphis was favored by -1 and covered the spread, while the game’s total of 235 points went over the pre-game line of 221.5.

A 15-0 run by the Grizzlies stretched their lead from 59-43 to 74-43. Although Orlando fought back in the 3rd quarter, outscoring Memphis 35-21, the Grizzlies held on in the 4th, edging the Magic 34-33 in the final period.

The Bulls struggled offensively in their 114-95 loss to the Thunder, shooting just 34.8% from the field. Their three-point shooting was also below average at 28.3%, despite hitting 15 threes in the game.

Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 22 points, including 10 in the 3rd quarter, and made 4 threes at a 44.4% rate. Nikola Vucevic added 18 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 58.3% from the field and hitting both of his three-point attempts.

The Grizzlies put together a strong defensive effort in the 2nd quarter, holding the Magic to just 19 points, and they gave up 111 points overall in the win. Memphis allowed Orlando to shoot 42% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Magic hit 17 threes at a 35% clip. The Grizzlies sent Orlando to the line 28 times, where they made 20 free throws. Defensively, Memphis grabbed 36 rebounds, gave up 12 offensive boards, and recorded 10 steals and 5 blocks.

For a point-spread wager in this Grizzlies vs. Bulls game, we suggest taking the Bulls at +7.5. Even though our predictions have the Grizzlies winning 142-141, we see the Bulls as the better choice on the point-spread.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 234.5, and our model predicts the Bulls and Grizzlies to score a combined 283 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Grizzlies, with Trio Finally Healthy, Host Bulls in Quest for Consistency

The Memphis Grizzlies, fresh off a 124-111 victory over the Orlando Magic, will welcome the Chicago Bulls to town on Monday night as they look to build momentum with their core trio finally healthy and active. For the Grizzlies, Saturday’s game marked the first time in nearly 300 days that Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane shared the court together as starters—a reunion that paid immediate dividends and reminded fans of the potential power of their fully assembled lineup.

The Bulls, coming off a tough 114-95 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, have their own share of early-season challenges. With inconsistent shooting and scoring patterns, Chicago will look to reset and find rhythm as they hit the road.

Memphis: The Core Trio Reunited

The return of Jackson, who missed the season’s first two games due to a preseason hamstring injury, allowed the Grizzlies to field their core unit. The impact was evident as Memphis dominated the Magic from start to finish, building a lead that reached as much as 29 points in the second half. Morant contributed 16 points and 10 assists in just 25 minutes, while Bane added 13 points and seven rebounds, and Jackson chipped in with 13 points of his own.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins is clearly focused on maximizing this group’s potential, emphasizing leadership both on and off the court. “Those three guys are special,” Jenkins said of Morant, Bane, and Jackson. “They are the leaders of what we are building here. It’s about their sacrifices and unselfishness.”

Beyond the starting trio, the Grizzlies’ bench has shown promise, adding depth to the rotation. In the victory over Orlando, Memphis reserves posted 66 points, led by 22 points from Santi Aldama and a career-high 18 from center Jay Huff. Scotty Pippen Jr. also impressed, putting up 11 points and 12 assists while relieving Morant.

Chicago Bulls: Searching for Shooting Consistency

The Bulls are coming off a tough loss to the Thunder in which they struggled offensively, shooting just 34.8 percent from the field and a dismal 28.3 percent from beyond the arc. Zach LaVine led Chicago with 22 points and nine rebounds but also committed seven turnovers, underscoring the team’s struggles with consistency.

“Our guys hung in there, they kept battling and fighting,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said after the loss. “But that’s been the issue for us. We’ve had halves where we score 39 or 40 points, but then other halves where it’s 63, 65, 64. For whatever reason, we haven’t been able to shoot the ball consistently.”

Center Nikola Vucevic has been a bright spot for Chicago, registering double-doubles in each of the first three games of the season. He contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds against the Thunder and leads active NBA centers in double-doubles, with 517 across 14 seasons.

Key Matchups

Ja Morant vs. Zach LaVine

Both Morant and LaVine are known for their scoring and playmaking abilities, and their respective teams often look to them to set the tone. Morant’s ability to penetrate and distribute will challenge Chicago’s defense, while LaVine’s shooting will be critical to Chicago’s chances of keeping up with Memphis’s offensive firepower.

Jaren Jackson Jr. vs. Nikola Vucevic

Jackson’s return adds a defensive element that Memphis missed in the first two games. His ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor offensively will be crucial against Vucevic, who has started the season strong with three consecutive double-doubles. Jackson’s presence could disrupt Chicago’s interior game, while Vucevic’s rebounding and post-play will test Memphis’s defense.

Grizzlies Bench vs. Bulls Shooting Consistency

The Grizzlies’ bench, with players like Aldama, Huff, and Pippen Jr., has been instrumental in providing scoring depth. If the Bulls continue their shooting struggles, Memphis’s reserves could tip the balance in the Grizzlies’ favor. Chicago’s ability to find scoring beyond LaVine and Vucevic will be crucial, especially if their starters get into foul trouble or struggle from the field.

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Outlook

The Grizzlies’ early-season challenge has been getting their key players healthy, while the Bulls are aiming for shooting consistency and improved ball movement. With both teams eyeing a bounce-back year, Monday’s game offers Memphis a chance to build chemistry and momentum with their top trio finally intact. For Chicago, it’s an opportunity to address their offensive inconsistencies and show resilience on the road.

In a battle of two teams working to establish their identity, the Grizzlies’ fully engaged lineup and depth could give them the edge. But if Chicago finds its shooting touch and maintains defensive pressure, they’ll make it a competitive matchup. The outcome may well hinge on which team can execute its game plan more effectively and capitalize on any defensive lapses.