# Bulls Fall in Denver 133-128

> Bulls lose 133-128 to Nuggets in preseason as center injuries hamper depth.
- Title: Bulls Fall in Denver 133-128 · Chicago Sun-Times | Shortify
- Summary: Bulls lose 133-128 to Nuggets in preseason as center injuries hamper depth. Chicago Bulls lost 133-128 to Denver Nuggets in preseason game due to center…
- Keywords: chicago bulls, nba, denver nuggets, preseason, center injuries, nic claxton, zach collins, jalen smith, tobe awaka, caleb wilson, nicholas jokic, aaron gordon
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2026/10/11/shrinking-bulls-fall-in-denver-133-128
- Published: 2026-10-12T04:13:23.031+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chicago bulls, nba, denver nuggets, preseason, center injuries, nic claxton, zach collins, jalen smith, tobe awaka, caleb wilson, nicholas jokic, aaron gordon
## Bulls Fall in Denver
Chicago Bulls lost 133-128 to Denver Nuggets in preseason game.
## Center Injuries Impact Game
Bulls' centers Nic Claxton, Zach Collins, and Jalen Smith missed games due to injuries.
## Tobe Awaka Out
Rookie Tobe Awaka missed game with sore knee, day-to-day status.
## Bulls' Size Concern
Bulls missing nearly 21 feet of bodies to protect rim due to injuries.
## Splitter's Strategy
Coach Splitter plans three-man rotation at center position for season.
## Caleb Wilson's Role
Rookie Caleb Wilson versatile enough to play multiple positions in NBA.
## Nikola Jokic Dominates
Nikola Jokic scored 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in first game.
## Aaron Gordon's Performance
Aaron Gordon scored 25 points in game against Nuggets.
## Bulls' Second Unit
Bulls' second unit scored 26 points with Leonard Miller leading.
## Injury Outlook
Collins and Awaka expected back by Wednesday game in Milwaukee.
## Key takeaway

Chicago Bulls lost 133-128 to Denver Nuggets in preseason game due to center injuries.