Bulls’ frontcourt injuries leave Tiago Splitter planning a three-man center rotation

The Chicago Bulls lost 104-100 to the Memphis Grizzlies in preseason on Friday night, and the bigger story was who did not play. Centers Zach Collins and Nic Claxton have been out since the start of camp, and forward-center Jalen Smith sat with soreness in his left foot, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Checked October 10, 2026.

What the injuries are

Collins is dealing with a quad injury and Claxton with a hamstring problem. Neither has practiced in camp. Smith’s foot soreness is new as of Friday.

What Splitter said

Coach Tiago Splitter did not play it down. He called the situation a concern and said the team will have to manage the big men’s minutes through the season, and that Chicago will likely need a three-man rotation at center every night. His reasoning was that the league is physical and fast, and a 7-footer cannot always give 35 minutes.

How it looked on the floor

Undrafted rookie Tobe Awaka started at center against Memphis and was outsized by Zach Edey. Grizzlies rookie Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 pick, repeatedly won rebounds against Chicago’s wings. The Sun-Times described the Bulls as offering little resistance inside.

The context is a rebuild built around rookie Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 pick, and third-year forward Matas Buzelis. The injuries are a preseason problem for now, but Collins and Claxton have both missed time in recent years, so depth at center is worth tracking before opening night.