3 Teams that would be perfect for Bulls to play on opening night
The schedule for the 2023-24 season has yet to be officially announced, but as we prepare to exit July, the wait may be coming to a close very soon. Last year, we received news of the NBA’s schedule in mid-August, which means it may not be much longer until we know who the Chicago Bulls will duel on opening night and beyond.
The 2022-23 season began on October 18, less than two weeks before Halloween. But instead of ghosts and ghouls, I’m more concerned over which furry mascots will be storming the United Center in what looks to be a make-or-break season for the Bulls.
It’s (unfortunately) not up to me, but if it were, I know just which pick of the litter I’d prefer the Bulls to take on first in October. As they prepare for another daunting 82-game season — this time with the added pressure of an in-season tournament — a few select teams would be preferable over the rest if we want the Bulls to start the season out with a strong victory.
The Pistons would be an appealing candidate for the Bulls to secure an easy victory in Game 1 on opening night.
3. Detroit Pistons
The last time the Detroit Pistons defeated the Chicago Bulls, the date was March 10, 2019. A year in which Kris Dunn, Justin Holiday, Robin Lopez, and Ryan Arcidiacono each started 32 games or more. Yes, that was a long time ago, and no, this is not a joke.
1,604 days have now passed since then. And ever since that day, the Bulls have not lost to the Pistons ever again. Chicago currently holds a 15-game win streak against the Pistons, the longest active win streak of any franchise against another team in the entire NBA. Even through years of tanking and miserable basketball, the Bulls have had the Pistons number.
I see no reason for that to stop now. Although the Pistons have much more talent on their roster than they have in years past, Cade Cunningham has not had time to develop chemistry with his running mates following a left shin surgery that cut his season short after just 12 games last season. Even if he remained perfectly healthy, the Bulls are simply the far better team right now.
I’d revel in the Pistons being named Chicago’s opening night matchup, so that the streak may be kept alive and extended to 16 games.