Bulls at Grizzlies
The Chicago Bulls began their longest winning streak of the season -- a three-game run -- with a win over Memphis earlier this month. They'll try to begin another one when they visit the Grizzlies on Wednesday in the opener of a two-game road trip.
Chicago went into the All-Star break on the heels of a 122-110 defeat of Memphis at home Feb. 13 and followed it up with solid victories at Orlando and at home against Boston after the intermission. The run came to an end Monday against Eastern Conference-leading Milwaukee, but there is a degree of pride in the otherwise quality stretch of play. "I'm proud of our guys," coach Jim Boylen told reporters after the 117-106 loss to the Bucks on Monday. "There's no consolation prizes at this level, but to have 6½ days off [and then] play three in four against three playoff teams and the way we played and competed — I'm really happy about our team." The loss in Chicago was part of a four-game losing streak for the Grizzlies, who got back into the win column with Monday's 110-105 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Southeast (Memphis)
ABOUT THE BULLS (16-45): Otto Porter Jr. scored a career-high 37 points against the Grizzlies earlier this month and is questionable for the rematch due to a leg injury that kept him out of the Milwaukee game. Fellow forward Lauri Markkanen finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds versus the Bucks for his third straight double-double. Center Robin Lopez also had 26 points in the loss while posting his 10th straight game of shooting at least 61.5 percent from the floor.
ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (24-38): Although he went from a title contender in Toronto to an also-ran in Memphis, newly acquired center Jonas Valanciunas seemed content with his situation following the win over the Lakers. "It felt really good and was really needed," Valanciunas told reporters after recording 20 points and 13 rebounds. "It's fun to play with this group." Guard Mike Conley led the way Monday with 30 points, his best total since Jan. 23.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Grizzlies SF Chandler Parsons is 4-for-24 from the floor in three games since returning from a lengthy layoff.
2. Bulls PG Kris Dunn (migraine) missed Monday's game and is questionable for this one.
3. Chicago is aiming to sweep the season series for the second straight time.