Grizzlies Grind Out Ugly Win in Memphis, DarkHorse Under Cashes Easy

The Grizzlies escaped with a 104-100 preseason slog over the Bulls on Tuesday night, and if you took our under 239.5, you spent the fourth quarter counting your money instead of watching basketball. The final tally of 204 points came in a cool 35.5 points under the number—exactly the kind of disjointed, rotation-heavy exhibition mess we forecasted.

Memphis never looked comfortable, but they didn't need to. Chicago's offense sputtered through experimental lineups and the usual preseason chaos that turns NBA talent into pickup-game execution. Both sides cycled through deep benches, killing any rhythm the starters might have built in their limited run. The Grizzlies led wire-to-wire without ever pulling away, a testament to just how ugly this one got down the stretch.

Our under call was never in doubt. When you set a total near regular-season levels for a game where rotation players get more minutes than All-Stars, you're printing money for the sharp side. Both teams shot like they'd just met each other in the layover lounge—because essentially, they had. Camp bodies don't execute like playoff rosters, and 239.5 was begging to get buried. Final score: Grizzlies 104, Bulls 100, DarkHorse 1-0.