The Chicago Bulls are set to tip off their 2024-25 NBA season on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 23. This season promises to be a fascinating one for Bulls fans, with a revamped roster and a host of compelling matchups on the horizon.
Key Highlights:
- Season Opener: The Chicago Bulls will face the Pelicans in New Orleans on October 23.
- Home Opener: Chicago’s first home game will be against Alex Caruso and the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 26.
- Season Finale: The regular season concludes with a matinee matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 13.
Notable Games:
- Back-to-Back Challenges: The Bulls have 13 sets of back-to-back games this season, with early tests against playoff-caliber teams. Nine of their first 13 games are against last year’s postseason squads, including a challenging back-to-back against the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves on November 6-7.
- Star Appearances:
- LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will visit the United Center on March 27.
- Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs will make their lone Chicago appearance on January 7.
- Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are set to visit on January 27.
- Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks will come to town on March 29.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will play two games in Chicago, on December 23 and 28.
Intriguing Storylines:
- DeMar DeRozan’s Return: Former Bull DeMar DeRozan returns to the United Center with the Sacramento Kings for a matinee game on January 12.
- Lonzo Ball’s Comeback: Lonzo Ball will attempt to return from over 2 1/2 years of injury-related absence and three knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant.
- Youth Movement: The Bulls are leaning into a youth movement with the addition of first-round pick Matas Buzelis, free-agent Jalen Smith, and Chris Duarte, acquired in the DeRozan sign-and-trade. Patrick Williams is expected to take a significant leap this season, following in the footsteps of Coby White’s development last year.
- Zach LaVine Trade Drama: The ongoing speculation surrounding Zach LaVine’s future with the team continues to be a topic of interest.
Toughest Stretches:
- West Coast Trips: The Bulls face gruelling West Coast road trips, including a late January swing through Denver, Utah, Portland, and both Los Angeles teams.
- March Gauntlet: The season’s longest road trip occurs in March, with six consecutive games, including matchups against the Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors.
NBA Cup Pool Play:
The schedule released includes 80 games, with two additional games to be added based on the Bulls’ performance in the NBA Cup pool play, where they will face the Knicks, Hornets, 76ers, and Magic.
With a mix of youth and veteran presence, the Bulls are set to embark on a season filled with both challenges and opportunities. Bulls fans will have plenty to look forward to as they navigate a season that could be pivotal for the franchise’s future.
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