2026-27 Chicago Bulls schedule: 5 early games that are appointment viewing

With the 2026-27 Chicago Bulls schedule being released Thursday, here are five early games that are appointment viewing for fans.

These games should be great early tests for the team, allowing fans to learn more about the players and the team as a whole. 

1 and 2. Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 vs. the New York Knicks 

Two matchups against the defending champion New York Knicks are a great opportunity early in the season.

The Knicks are not only a very well-rounded team, but they also showed how dominant they are during their postseason run. 

A matchup against a team with this level of talent and dominance will be a great opportunity to see how much work needs to be done throughout the season to be more competitive. Any areas of success the Bulls have in these games should be great signs for the future. 

Playing the Knicks twice in a short time span is also a good chance to learn how well the coaching staff and players can adjust to address any weaknesses. 

It will also be fun to watch how well Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis work together in these matchups.

3. Nov. 11 vs. the San Antonio Spurs

This team is extremely talented on the offensive and defensive ends. The Bulls struggled to protect the paint last season. Against an elite team like the Spurs, this game will show how much the additions of Wilson and particularly Nic Claxton help in this regard.

Most of all, it will be interesting to see how much offensive success Wilson can find against the Spurs' defense. 

4. Nov. 13 vs. the Atlanta Hawks

Looking at the Eastern Conference teams that made the postseason last year, the Atlanta Hawks matchup should be an excellent and more realistic game to gauge where the Bulls are.

Both teams have young and promising talent. Both also know what it is like to be consistent play-in tournament teams. 

However, the Hawks had a good 2025-26 campaign, earning the sixth seed in the playoffs and handing the Knicks two losses. 

If the Bulls can at least show they can play at the Hawks' level early on, or show they can be better, it should give fans more confidence in this group and the team’s direction.

5. Nov. 2 vs. the Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers established quite the starting lineup by acquiring LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. While it is fair to question how well their roster works as a team, there is without a doubt an insane level of individual talent. 

This game will be one to watch to see how the Bulls do on the defensive end guarding Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Brown and James when — and if — they are all on the floor together in this matchup.

Honorable mention: Oct. 21 vs. the Toronto Raptors

Being the first game of the 2026-27 regular season for the Bulls, this one is too obvious to put on the list. But it is worth an honorable mention. 

The Bulls have brought hope back to the fan base, particularly with the acquisition of Wilson. This is the first chance to see Wilson and the Bulls in regular-season action with Tiago Splitter at the helm.

Given that, this game is 100% a must-see.

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