Matas Buzelis Sustained Ankle Injury in Preseason Game
The Bulls rookie exited early following a defensive play against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Basketball
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Chicago Bulls player Matas Buzelis exited Friday night's preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies after suffering a right ankle injury. He sustained the injury while blocking a layup attempt by Jaylen Wells.
Why it matters
Coaching staff chose to pull the rookie before halftime to prioritize his health and prevent the aggravation of the injury during the preseason. His status remains uncertain for the upcoming road trip.
Buzelis recorded 6 points and 3 personal fouls during his 12 minutes of play on the floor. He finished the contest shooting 3-6 from the field before leaving for the locker room.
The players
Matas Buzelis
He is a rookie forward for the Chicago Bulls currently competing in his first NBA preseason.
Jaylen Wells
He is a player for the Memphis Grizzlies whose layup attempt led to the contact with Buzelis.
Zach Collins
He is a Bulls player who has also missed preseason action due to a minor injury.
Tre Jones
He is a member of the Chicago roster currently sidelined from preseason play for injury management.
Jalen Smith
He is a Bulls player who is currently unavailable for preseason games due to a minor injury.
The details
Buzelis hit the floor after attempting to block a layup by Jaylen Wells in the first half of the game. After checking himself out, he retreated to the locker room and did not return for the remainder of the contest.
Timeline
Matas Buzelis sustained his injury during the game on Friday night, October 9, 2026.
The Chicago Bulls are scheduled to play a preseason game in Denver on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The team's cautious handling of the rookie reflects a broader trend of prioritizing player health over preseason outcomes to ensure roster depth for the regular season. This approach follows the established NBA preseason injury management protocols common across the league.
Buzelis' injury status impacts the team's rotation plans and creates a minute-share opportunity for reserves during the upcoming matchup in Denver. His potential absence on Sunday would force coaching staff to adjust their defensive schemes established earlier in the preseason.
The takeaway
The Bulls continue to monitor the rookie's ankle following his early exit from Friday's game. While he intends to play Sunday, the final decision remains subject to medical clearance by the team staff.
What happens next
The Bulls are scheduled to play the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, October 11, 2026, where Buzelis' availability will be officially confirmed.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's roster availability, visit the Chicago Basketball section.
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