Projected starting lineup & rotation for Grizzlies NBA preseason game at the Bulls

As the Grizzlies prepare to play their third preseason game in Chicago against the Bulls, look for the team to have a different starting lineup and rotation from their two previous preseason games. After Ja Morant left the Grizzlies' first preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks with a minor ankle sprain, Marcus Smart left the team's second preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets with a knee bruise.

Reserve wing John Konchar entered the starting lineup against the Hornets to replace Ja Morant as the team will probably choose the caution route with his playing time in the preseason. Brandon Clarke also sat the Grizzlies' second preseason game with knee soreness after an impressive debut preseason game against the Mavericks.

Projected Starting Lineup at the Bulls

With the Grizzlies' game at the Bulls occurring two nights after their second game, expect the team to continue to use caution with Ja Morant's minor ankle sprain, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s low-grade hamstring, and add Marcus Smart to the caution list with his knee bruise. That means three starters will have to be replaced.

Santi Aldama has started in place of Jaren Jackson Jr. during the team's first two preseason games, so expect him to remain the starter in the front court next to Zach Edey as his game is a better fit next to the 7'4" rookie center than any other big not named Jaren.

Since John Konchar started in place of Ja Morant, expect coach Taylor Jenkins to stick with the veteran replacements by inserting Luke Kennard into the starting lineup. This would lead to a lineup of Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard, John Konchar, Santi Aldama, and Zach Edey.

Project Bench unit at the Bulls

The Grizzlies' main five-man bench unit in their first game at the Mavericks consisted of Scotty Pippen Jr., Luke Kennard, John Konchar, Jake LaRavia, and Brandon Clarke. With Brandon Clarke out and John Konchar entering the starting lineup in the Grizzlies' second game against the Hornets, the bench lineup consisted of Scotty Pippen Jr., Luke Kennard, Jaylen Wells, Jake LaRavia, and Jay Huff.

Considering Brandon Clarke didn't suffer an injury during any of the team's first two games, expect him to return after a four-day rest. With his return and Luke Kennard's entrance into the starting lineup, expect the Grizzlies bench unit to consist of Scotty Pippen Jr., Jaylen Wells, Jake LaRavia, Brandon Clarke, and Jay Huff.

This lineup includes some versatility with shooters mixed with gritty players and also maxes out the Grizzlies' available roster and two-way guys. This rotation is expected to play all the available minutes through the game's first three quarters just as was the case in the Grizzlies' first two preseason games.