Bulls Face Grizzlies as Wilson Renews Rivalry With Boozer

The Chicago Bulls will host the Memphis Grizzlies at United Center in Chicago on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, for an NBA preseason matchup featuring 2026 draft selections Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer. The game offers both rookies another opportunity to compete against a familiar opponent while their teams evaluate lineups, defensive execution and player development.

Wilson was selected No. 4 overall by Chicago, one position behind Boozer, who went No. 3 to Memphis. Their connection dates to youth basketball and continued through their college careers and the NBA Summer League, where Boozer's team secured a narrow victory over Wilson's squad.

Their most recent meeting before the preseason came July 10 in Las Vegas. Wilson scored 35 points and made seven 3-pointers, while Boozer recorded 23 points and six rebounds as Memphis defeated Chicago 97-96. Both players subsequently earned places on the 2026 All-Summer League First Team, according to NBA.com.

Their competitive history also includes college basketball's Duke-North Carolina rivalry. On Feb. 7, Wilson scored 23 points as North Carolina defeated Boozer's Duke team 71-68 on a buzzer-beater. Boozer finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds in that game.

Boozer described their relationship as competitive on the court but friendly away from basketball.

"There's a lot of respect there for each other. Every time we're on the court we compete, and we're cool off the court," Boozer said.

Wilson also praised Boozer's ability and recalled their intense Summer League encounter.

"He's a great player, obviously. We have fun with each other on the court, and we talk back and forth. He made some tough shots, like that fadeaway he had over me, and we were able to really play and get after it," Wilson said.

Boozer has carried his all-around game into the preseason. NBA.com reported averages of 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists during Memphis' opening two games, while Sports Illustrated cited averages of 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists. In Memphis' 122-118 loss to the Orlando Magic, Boozer scored 16 points, grabbed six rebounds and recorded two assists in 22 minutes, shooting 4-for-7 from the field, according to Yahoo Sports.

Memphis teammate Ty Jerome highlighted Boozer's composure and versatility after the team's preseason opener.

"The poise he has at that age is just huge. Him being able to dribble, pass, and shoot next to me, it's like I got another point guard next to me, almost at 6-foot-10," Jerome said.

Wilson made an encouraging start to his NBA preseason career, scoring 15 points in Chicago's opening game against Phoenix. Reports differed on the final score: NBA.com and Sports Illustrated listed a 124-117 Bulls victory, while Yahoo Sports reported a 121-117 result. Yahoo Sports also noted that Wilson missed all four of his 3-point attempts.

Wilson described the experience of playing in an NBA uniform as surreal, reflecting on the moment he entered the professional game.

"Wild being in the NBA and having my uniform on. Hearing that Sirius song was wild; watched The Last Dance, watched all those shows. Just seeing and feeling it for yourself is quite crazy," Wilson said.

Chicago entered the matchup with several frontcourt absences. Sports Illustrated reported that Jalen Smith would miss the game because of foot soreness, joining Nic Claxton, who was listed with a hamstring injury, and Zach Collins, who was sidelined with a quad injury. The report identified two-way player Tobe Awaka and Exhibit 10 player Orlando Robinson as the team's available traditional centers.

Memphis also had injury concerns. Yahoo Sports listed Isaiah Stewart as questionable with an ankle injury, while Micah Peavy was also listed as questionable with an ankle issue. Zach Edey, GG Jackson, Taylor Hendricks and Olivier-Maxence Prosper were identified as potential physical challenges for Wilson.

The preseason contest was scheduled for 7 p.m. Central time at United Center, with Chicago Sports Network carrying the game. For the Bulls, the matchup also presented an opportunity to address defensive shortcomings and turnovers identified in their opening game, according to Sports Illustrated.