A Crowded Health Report Before the Grizzlies Visit

By the Bulls Nightly Desk · Thursday, October 8

Chicago beat Phoenix 124-117 on October 7, erasing a 15-point first-quarter deficit while playing without Nic Claxton. Three more day-to-day names — Jaylin Sellers, Tre Jones and Zach Collins — carry the same estimated return date, October 9, when Memphis visits the United Center.

Bulls Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

Wilson arrives. Caleb Wilson's first game in a Bulls uniform went for 15 points on 6 of 16 shooting in 29 minutes, with a steal and two turnovers. Tobe Awaka matched him off the bench with 14 points and 11 rebounds, the only double-double either team produced.

Essengue's night. Noa Essengue posted the best plus-minus on either roster, +12 in just 15 minutes. Patrick Williams was next at +8 in 11 minutes. Isaac Okoro finished -5 in 17 minutes, the worst mark Chicago logged.

Buzelis cools off. Matas Buzelis scored 14 points but missed all six three-point attempts, going 6 of 15 overall. Norman Powell carried the perimeter instead, hitting 3 of 4 from deep for 14 points in 14 minutes.

Three names, one date. Jaylin Sellers, Tre Jones and Zach Collins are each listed Day-To-Day — back, hip and toe injuries, respectively — and every one carries the same estimated return date: October 9, when Memphis visits the United Center.

Claxton's calendar. A hamstring injury has sidelined Nic Claxton since early October, with a return date estimated for October 21 — the day Chicago opens its regular season on the road against Toronto. Every preseason game before then tests the rotation without him.

Memphis comes in rebuilding too. The Grizzlies visit the United Center on October 9 off a 25-57 record last season, led by Jerami Grant's 18.6 points a game. Memphis also lists two Day-To-Day players, Micah Peavy and Isaiah Stewart, both ankle issues. Tip is on NBA TV.

On deck Memphis visits the United Center October 9 on NBA TV, then Chicago goes on the road to Denver October 11 and Milwaukee October 14 before a home date with Minnesota October 16.

Is Nic Claxton playing against the Grizzlies?

No. Claxton is Day-To-Day with a hamstring injury and his estimated return is October 21, the day Chicago opens its regular season on the road against Toronto.

When do the Bulls play Memphis?

October 9 at the United Center, broadcast on NBA TV, as the second game of Chicago's preseason schedule.