Now that Chicago Bulls’ official schedule has finally dropped, we can know what to expect in the early days of the 2023-24 season. Various injuries, breakouts, and surprises are inevitably in store for us, but everyone will be given a fresh shot to start the year out on the right foot.
Fortunately for the Bulls, things look relatively favorable at this moment in time. Obviously, they’ll be without Lonzo Ball yet again, but there are no further injuries or obstacles to overcome. The Bulls also have the 11th easiest strength of schedule next season.
If Chicago is to improve upon a disappointing 40-42 record and return to the playoffs, starting off strong in these first 10 games will be crucially important.
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After seeing their 2023-24 schedule, the Chicago Bulls have a perfect chance to start next season off on the right foot.
Game #1: October 25 vs. OKC Thunder
Despite their perceived status as a rebuilding roster, it shouldn’t be lost on us that the Oklahoma City Thunder won just as many games as our Bulls last season. Adding premiere prospects Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace to the mix, the Thunder should only be even more dangerous this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will look to continue his rise to superstardom here in the opener. Still, Chicago’s point-of-attack defense on the perimeter is as well equipped to handle him as anyone is. This game will by no means be a blowout, but I’m comfortable taking the more experienced roster here.
- Prediction: Win
Game #2: October 27 vs. Toronto Raptors
The Bulls developed somewhat of a rivalry with the Raptors last season, battling it out for playoff seeding throughout the season before it all culminated in a play-in tournament. Through the combined efforts of the DeRozan family, Chicago would emerge victorious, but the real loss for Toronto came during the offseason. After losing Fred VanVleet to Houston in free agency and being forced to overpay to retain Gary Trent Jr., I’m not holding any big expectations from this Raptors team this season.
- Prediction: Win
Game #3: October 28 @ Detroit Pistons
This is where things start to get interesting. On paper, the Pistons should be considered a relatively easy matchup. After all, the Bulls do currently hold a 15-win game streak over the Pistons. But this Detroit team is beginning to look less and less like a joke, now that they’ve added Bojan Bogdanovic while Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren are reportedly dominating in Team USA scrimmages. Factor in the fact that this will be the first game on the road and that the Pistons will want to snap the streak, don’t be surprised if this ends up being a close one.
- Prediction: Win