5 Deep Thoughts on Chicago Bulls' 2026-27 Schedule

The 2026-27 Chicago Bulls schedule is officially out, and it's a daunting one for a young team based on myriad factors. The Bulls open the season with six road games in their first nine contests, and many of them are against contending teams.  Things are expected to loosen up afterward with six of the next nine games at home, giving the Chicago's newly constructed starting lineup time to catch its breath. The Bulls are expected to roll out a starting lineup including third-year forward Matas Buzelis and rookie forward Caleb Wilson among the focal points, with free agent acquisition Norman Powell joining Josh Giddey in the backcourt. Center Nic Claxton is expected to round out a starting lineup that will have to gel quickly if the Bulls are to avoid falling to the bottom of the NBA's Eastern Conference in the early going. After viewing the Bulls' 2026-27 NBA schedule it is clear that Chicago has an uphill battle toward a playoff spot this season. Here are five initial thoughts on the Bulls' 2026-27 schedule and what coach Tiago Splitter's staff might be thinking after the announcement.  Mar 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith(25) blocks a shot by Memphis Grizzlies guard Jahmai Mashack (21) during the second half at United Center. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Thought #1: Tough Sledding The Bulls' opening nine games include a road tilt at Toronto on Oct. 21 to open the season, at Milwaukee the following night, and at home against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 24.  The Raptors and Bucks games are winnable, but a tough order for a newly constructed, and young, Bulls roster. Washington looks like a gimme on paper but it could also be a trap game. Next up are at home against Boston on Oct. 30, vs. New York on Oct. 28, and at Boston, Philadelphia and the Knicks one more time in the following three games before a home game against the 76ers.   The Bulls could start the season off on the wrong foot with losses against the beasts of the NBA East, in which case it would be incumbent on the first year coach Splitter to rally the troops.  Thought #2: A Rough Start After viewing the Bulls' first nine games I think a 3-6 start is the best case scenario but a 2-7 start is most likely.  Toronto has a strong home court advantage as do the Bucks, particularly at the start of a new season. I expect the Bulls to split their opening road games followed by a win over the Wizards and no wins in their next six games.  Thought #3: Get Your Tickets The Bulls have several exciting home games on the schedule worth attending if you are a die hard fan.  Oct. 24's home opener against the Wizards should be a fun one if you're a fan of talented young prospects and want to see a dynamite rookie matchup between A.J. Dybantsa and Wilson.  Oct. 28 at home against the Knicks could be a blowout but should also be an entertaining game for the first quarter or more and a chance to see the defending champs.  Dec. 26, the day after Christmas, will bring the rival Detroit Pistons to the United Center. Expect fireworks between the two teams as Wilson goes up against a fierce Detroit lineup.  Jan. 25 will bring Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks to town, another chance for the former Tar Heel Wilson to prove he belongs among the NBA's elite power forwards.  March 29 against the Indiana Pacers will be a chance for Bulls fans to see how far their team has come against a gritty Central Division rival.  Thought #4: Dog Days of Winter The young Bulls will have a chance to get away from the cold and bond with each other in Florida, California, Arizona and Utah early on this winter against the Heat, Kings, Suns and Jazz, which should provide a much-needed break. Coach Tiago Splitter knows what he's working with and should plan accordingly.  This could be a tough time for the young Bulls to deal with if their record is in a bad place, but improving morale and staying focused on each moment, and game, will be key to making 2026-27 a successful season.  Thought #5: Not the Bulls' Year The Bulls snuck into the NBA Playoffs once under former coach Billy Donovan and have been in search of greater levels of success ever since. Chicago has a smart coach in Splitter and a well-constructed roster in terms of playing style and overall talent, but still appear outmatched in the Eastern Conference this year. Viewing the 2026-27 Bulls schedule drove that point home for me, but it doesn't mean this will be a lost season. The Bulls have enough firepower to make things interesting this season and to challenge for a playoff spot. Expect plenty of turbulence along the way and extra ping pong balls headed to the Windy City by the time the 2027 NBA Draft Lottery rolls around. Enjoy the ride, and enjoy the little moments along the way — a metaphor for life and a sound plan for NBA basketball fans.