By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Memphis Grizzlies held on to defeat the Chicago Bulls 104–100 at the United Center after controlling most of the NBA Preseason 2026 game Friday.
The biggest story was an injury to Matas Buzelis. Midway through the first quarter, the Lithuanian starter blocked a shot and hurt his leg. He went to the locker room but returned shortly after. However, he was forced to an early exit in the second period, limping back through the tunnel. Chicago ruled him out with a right ankle injury. During a postgame media session, Buzelis downplayed the setback. “It’s not bad. It’s just being smart in the preseason. Just a little sore. Nothing crazy. I tried to play. I hate missing games. I think I will be ready for Sunday,” explained the 21-year-old combo forward, whose night was cut short after recording six points and one block.
French reserve Noa Essengue finished with five points and three rebounds for the Bulls. Chicago will visit the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks before hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves next week. They open the 2026–27 Regular Season on October 21 against the Toronto Raptors in Scotiabank Arena.
Before tipoff, the Grizzlies announced that Isaiah Stewart will miss two weeks with a left ankle sprain from Monday’s exhibition game opposite the Atlanta Hawks in State Farm Arena. However, Finnish coach Tuomas Iisalo secured an exhibition win. Off his bench, Dutch big Quinten Post had four points and a steal.
Looking ahead, Memphis hosts the Charlotte Hornets next Friday to close the Preseason, and start the Regular Season at home against the Utah Jazz on October 21.
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