Denver edged Chicago 124-117 in a fast-paced preseason clash where the Bulls showed defensive leakage and continuity gaps as they work to establish an identity. Chicago’s foul trouble and the Nuggets’ interior finishing kept the margin wide, underscoring questions about rim protection and discipline even as young talent flashed promise.

Matas Buzelis anchored the Bulls’ future, dropping 20 points and swatting five shots, signaling two-way upside and a potential defensive backbone as he grows into the NBA pace. Josh Giddy delivered a stat-stuffing performance for Oklahoma City, while veteran frontcourt pieces and bench players kept Chicago competitive late, highlighting growth areas and the pace of development ahead of the regular season.

On the Bulls, Nikola Vucevic’s limitations were highlighted against Denver’s bigs, even as Patrick Williams and Zack Collins offered bright spots from the bench. Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry showed flashes of the role players Chicago hopes to lean on, with Terry in particular emblematic of the guard depth the team will rely on as it tightens rotations for the opening grind. Upcoming finale vs Minnesota looms as the last live tune-up before the real grind begins.

Calf concerns for Kobe White keep him out of Chicago’s early preseason, reshaping the Bulls’ rotation as they chase optimal rhythm before opening night. Patrick Williams has been the brightest spark, delivering energy, rebounding, and scoring that hint at a larger role. Josh Giddy delivered the most complete preseason performance yet, showcasing his scoring, vision, and off-ball movement that could unlock faster flows once Kobe returns. Guard depth, rotation balance, and how two-guard looks mesh with Kobe’s timeline remain the key questions.

Mock lineups with multiple guards are being tested as Billy Donovan weighs minutes for IO DeSumo, Trey Jones, and others behind Kobe. Denver’s upcoming clash and the Bucks’ intensity loom large for readiness. The overarching narrative: can Williams sustain momentum, can Giddy grow as a facilitator, and which wing steps into bigger responsibility as the rotation tightens?

Io DeSumo led the Bulls’ second unit with 22 on 8-of-11, zero turnovers, igniting a late surge against Milwaukee. Josh Giddey ran the offense with 14-8-7, not forcing — a sign he can be the engine of Chicago’s attack. Chicago’s rotation debate centers on keeping Io as a six-man versus sliding him into the starting five as Pat Williams and the rest of the group show growing chemistry.

The defense focuses on sealing paint and cutting downhill drives, with Jokic looming in Denver next. A milestone 90K subs promo capped the night, underscoring the theme: health, consistency, and a versatile, balanced roster are the path from preseason gains to regular-season impact for fantasy managers.