NBA on MLK Day: Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls odds, starters, injury reports and predictions

The Memphis Grizzlies (30-15) host the Chicago Bulls (27-14) in the annual MLK Day game honoring the life, legacy and impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Bulls slog onto Beale Street having lost four of their last five games and having to play through the injury bug.

Star Zach Lavine is recovering after suffering a left knee injury Saturday, Alex Caruso has been in Health & Safety Protocols and is working on conditioning and Lonzo Ball is going to miss this game due to knee soreness, according to the latest injury report for the Bulls.

This is good news for Memphis, who should be operating at mostly full strength and on two full days of rest.

Let’s take a look at what to expect in this anticipated match-up between two of the biggest surprises this year in the NBA.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls odds today

Spread

Grizzlies -6.0 (-110)
Bulls +6.0 (-110)

Moneyline

Grizzlies -250
Bulls +200

Over/Under

Over  225.5 (-110)
Under  225.5 (-110)

Memphis enters the game as comfortable favorites with Chicago playing without the services of three major contributors. Odds-makers expect the Grizzlies to bounce back after suffered a horrendous defeat at home Jan. 15 vs Dallas.

Make your bet on the Grizzlies today with WynnBet

Memphis Grizzlies injury report

• Killian Tillie – Out (Health & Safety Protocols)
• Yves Pons – Out (right ankle soreness, Health & Safety Protocols)
• Dillon Brooks – Out (left ankle sprain)

Grizzlies starting line-up vs Chicago

The good news: Steven Adams is back! The bad news: we aren’t sure if he’ll be starting or not. He did not start in his first game back against Dallas. He’ll likely be gradually re-implemented into his usual 25+ minutes per game.

The Grizzlies may use the same line-up as we saw against Dallas: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams, Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson, Jr.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls Jan. 17 prediction

The Grizzlies are hoping to bounce back after suffering a 27-point loss to the Mavericks at home. They’ll have a good opportunity to do so against a Bulls team that is trying to find its way amid a sea of injuries.

DeMar DeRozan continues to produce during the difficult stretch and the Grizzlies will have to find ways to slow him in the game. He averages 25.7 ppg, which is eighth-best in the NBA.

Ja Morant will re-establish his groove against the Bulls and get past the 20-point mark in scoring for just the second time in the past five games. If he can get close to DeRozan’s output and negate his impact, it’ll give the Grizzlies a great chance at winning this game.

However, Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic is a prolific scorer and rebounder, averaging 16.4 ppg and 11.1 rpg this season for Chicago. It’ll take every bit of Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson, Jr. to slow down Vooch. If he gets going early, Memphis might be in trouble.

Memphis is going to be laser-focused in this one coming off their first loss since Dec. 23 and on two days worth of rest.

Prediction: Grizzlies 112, Bulls 104

How to watch the Grizzlies vs Bulls on TV

You can watch the Memphis Grizzlies on Bally’s Sports Southeast in the Memphis area.

Additionally, this game will be broadcast live on TNT. You can stream the game from the TNT app (cable/satellite subscription may be required).