Memphis Grizzlies face Chicago Bulls without injured Ja Morant

Grizzlies hoping to snap two-game losing streak

The Memphis Grizzlies will host the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum on Wednesday night without star point guard Ja Morant. Morant is dealing with a left ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple games.

The Grizzlies are coming off a two-game losing streak, including a 116-105 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. Morant's absence will be a big blow to the Grizzlies, who are already without Dillon Brooks (left hand fracture).

Bulls looking to extend winning streak

The Bulls, meanwhile, are coming off a 118-113 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night. The Bulls have won three of their last four games and are currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Bulls are led by DeMar DeRozan, who is averaging 26.2 points per game this season. Zach LaVine is also averaging over 20 points per game for the Bulls.

Matchup to watch: Desmond Bane vs. Alex Caruso

With Morant out, Desmond Bane will be the Grizzlies' primary ball-handler. Bane is averaging 18.2 points and 4.4 assists per game this season.

Bane will be matched up against Alex Caruso, who is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. Caruso is averaging 1.7 steals per game this season.

Prediction

The Bulls are a slight favorite in this matchup, but the Grizzlies are always tough to beat at home. The Grizzlies will be looking to snap their two-game losing streak, while the Bulls will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games.

I predict the Bulls will win a close game, 108-103.