Bulls’ brutal opening stretch sets the stage for momentum ahead

The Chicago Bulls have tumbled down the Eastern Conference standings, dropping from first to sixth in just a matter of days. After opening the season with a strong 6–1 start, Chicago now sits at 6–4 following three straight losses.

However, those defeats have come against quality opponents with a combined 22–10 record. The Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and San Antonio Spurs all rank among the top six teams in their respective conferences. Add in Chicago’s other loss—to the New York Knicks—and the teams that have beaten the Bulls so far are a combined 28–13 on the season.

Tough start, easier path: Bulls aim to rebound with key players back

It’s been a grueling first three weeks of the season, but things are about to lighten up. The Bulls next face the Detroit Pistons, one of the stronger teams in the Eastern Conference, also one they've already beaten, before taking on eight of their next 10 games against teams at .500 or below.

There’s naturally some disappointment in losing three straight after Chicago’s strong start, but winning six of their first 10 games is impressive. Considering that Coby White and even Zach Collins have yet to make an appearance, it’s all the more remarkable.

On the bright side, both White and Collins are expected back in the coming weeks. White recently practiced with the Windy City Bulls and is already a week into the timeline Billy Donovan outlined. At the same time, an update on Collins could come any day, nearly a month after his surgery.

Getting White and Collins back into an already effective rotation will be a boon for Donovan’s Bulls. So far, Chicago has thrived by emphasizing balance and depth—a formula that won’t change when both players return.

Nonetheless, Chicago’s biggest break is its easier upcoming schedule. The Bulls are already battle-tested, having faced some of the league’s top teams and players. Perhaps most importantly, they’ve shown they can perform in the clutch, posting the seventh-best net rating with the game on the line. Notably, one of the only two teams with a winning record that Chicago will face over its next 10 games struggles in clutch situations.

It’s clear the Bulls are regressing, with their net rating slipping from seventh to 18th over the past week. Still, a chance for a positive turnaround looms with their easier upcoming schedule. With Josh Giddey also expected to return in the coming days, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Chicago go 6–4, or better, over its next 10 games.