Matas Buzelis was ruled out for the rest of Chicago's preseason game against Memphis with a right ankle injury, according to K.C. Johnson's report citing Bulls public relations. The forward sounded more optimistic when discussing the injury afterward.

In a postgame video shared by Joel Lorenzi, Buzelis said the ankle problem was not bad and that he expected to travel with Chicago for Sunday's game in Denver. His comments provide his own assessment, not medical clearance to play.

The confirmed in-game update was that Buzelis would not return. His expectation of making the trip is a separate development. Traveling with the team does not by itself settle his availability for the next game, and the reports reviewed do not give a formal return timetable.

Hoops Rumors' overnight roundup reported that the injury followed a block against Memphis. It also relayed Buzelis' view that the ankle was sore but that he believed he could be ready Sunday. That outlook is encouraging, but it remains the player's prediction.

For readers tracking the Bulls' preseason availability, the next useful update will be an official status announcement before the Denver game. There is no basis in these reports to assign a longer absence or to declare Buzelis fully cleared.

This update is separate from Chicago's previously reported center-rotation and frontcourt injury story.

Checked October 10, 2026. Sources: K.C. Johnson, Joel Lorenzi and Hoops Rumors.

The United Center in Chicago, a 2015 file photo by Alacoolwiki, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized by WordPress. United Center, 2015. Photo by Alacoolwiki, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized by WordPress; original unchanged. Archival or file photo, not a photograph of the news event.

Read the full article for more context and the latest details.