March 16, 2026 | United Center, Chicago, IL | 7:00 PM CT | NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago Bulls (27–38) host the Memphis Grizzlies (39–26) at the United Center tonight, and this is a winnable game at home. They’re 6th in the West and fighting for playoff seeding. We’re 11th in the East and eleven games under .500, but we’re at home with our fans behind us.
The Grizzlies have Ja Morant—one of the most explosive guards in the league. Jaren Jackson Jr. protects the rim and spaces the floor. Desmond Bane hits threes and plays defense. They’re physical, deep, and play with intensity.
We’re trying to keep up with DeMar DeRozan’s mid-range game and hoping Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton get hot from three. At the United Center, we should have a chance.
For Bulls fans, this is a home game against a playoff team where we need to protect home court and show some fight.
Where the Bulls Stand (Still Bad)
Record: 27–38 (11th in East)
We’re eleven games under .500, and the play-in race is over. The defense is terrible (120.3 points allowed per game). The rebounding is a problem (42.4 per game vs Memphis’ 46.2). But at home, we’ve been better than on the road.
Key Players:
- DeMar DeRozan: Still getting his mid-range buckets, needs another big game at home
- Anfernee Simons: Inconsistent—needs to show up at the United Center
- Collin Sexton: Provides energy off the bench, especially at home
Billy Donovan keeps preaching defense and execution. Against Ja Morant and the Grizzlies at home, we need the crowd behind us and solid execution.
The Memphis Grizzlies: Physical and Playoff-Bound
Record: 39–26 (6th in West)
The Grizzlies are playoff-bound and playing with intensity. Ja Morant is explosive and can take over games. Jaren Jackson Jr. is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate who protects the rim and shoots threes. Desmond Bane is a knockdown shooter who plays both ends.
Key Players:
- Ja Morant (PG): Explosive guard, can dominate games with athleticism and playmaking
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (F/C): Elite rim protector who can stretch the floor with shooting
- Desmond Bane (SG): Knockdown shooter and solid defender
The Numbers:
- 116.1 points per game (efficient offense)
- 112.5 points allowed per game (solid defense)
- 46.2 rebounds per game (dominate the glass)
- Physical, intense style
They’re balanced, deep, well-coached, and playing for playoff positioning. But they’re on the road tonight.
Breaking Down the Matchup
| Category | Bulls | Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 114.8 | 116.1 |
| Points Allowed | 120.3 | 112.5 |
| Assists Per Game | 29.1 | 27.2 |
| 3-Pointers Made | 14.6 | 13.8 |
| Rebounding | 42.4 | 46.2 |
They score more. They defend way better. They rebound better. We pass slightly better and shoot slightly more threes.
But we’re at home. The United Center crowd can be a factor. And playoff teams sometimes struggle on the road.
What the Bulls Need to Do at Home
DeMar DeRozan Takes Over at the United Center
DeMar needs 30+ points and to control the game at home. The crowd will be behind him. Use that energy.
Hit Threes Consistently
If Simons, Sexton, and our shooters can knock down 16+ threes at 42%+, we can win at home. Get hot early and keep the crowd engaged.
Slow Down Ja Morant
Morant’s explosive, but he’s on the road. Make him uncomfortable. Don’t let him get easy looks at the rim. Force tough shots.
Protect Home Court
The United Center. Our fans. We should have an advantage. Win the rebounding battle. Execute defensively. Make Memphis uncomfortable.
Feed Off the Crowd
Home games matter. The energy should help us. Use it to our advantage and protect the United Center.
What Memphis Will Bring
Ja Morant will try to explode to the rim with athleticism. Jaren Jackson Jr. will protect the paint and hit threes. Desmond Bane will knock down open shots.
But they’re on the road. If we can get the crowd into it early, we can make them uncomfortable.
Bulls Fan Prediction: Competitive Home Game
Final Score: Bulls 112, Grizzlies 108
DeMar DeRozan dominates at home with 34 points. Anfernee Simons gets hot and drops 26. The United Center crowd gets loud and energizes the team.
Ja Morant battles for 28 points, but we make him work for everything. Jaren Jackson Jr. adds 24. But our home court advantage and three-point shooting give us the edge.
We protect the United Center. Four-point win at home. The crowd lifts us to a statement victory.
Why This Game Matters
We’re 11th in the East. The season’s essentially over. But this is the United Center. Our home court. Our fans.
The Grizzlies are a playoff team, but they’re on the road. If we can’t protect home court against a good team, what’s the point?
DeMar DeRozan deserves support from the home crowd. And maybe—just maybe—we can steal a win against a playoff team at the United Center.
See Red. Let´s go Bulls!!!