As summer continues to wind down, anticipation for football and basketball season heats up. When the 2026-27 NBA slate begins, Tar Heel Nation will have its eyes glued to Caleb Wilson.
The Chicago Bulls' fourth overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, Wilson quickly impressed amongst the pro ranks earlier this summer, setting a new record for most points in a Summer League debut. Part of a historic Draft class with fellow top-4 picks AJ Dybantsa (first overall), Darryn Peterson (second) and Cameron Boozer (third), Wilson will treat fans to a plethora of exciting matchups in his rookie season.
One of Wilson's first matchups you should be paying attention to is the Bulls' home opener on Saturday, October 24, when they'll be facing Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards.
Wilson's first regular season game will be Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m., when Chicago travels to face the Toronto Raptors. Dybantsa's rookie year begins that same day at 7 p.m., when Washington hosts the new-look Milwaukee Bucks.
BREAKING: The Bulls home opener will be played on Oct. 24 against the Washington Wizards ‼️
— SleeperBulls (@SleeperChicago) August 13, 2026
Caleb Wilson vs. AJ Dybantsa in week 1 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WB8RIzrlHg
Wilson played against the Wizards in Summer League, leading all scorers with 19 points in a 99-87 win, but Dybantsa sat out that game. Later in a postgame interview, Wilson said he'll play any chance he gets, as opposed to resting like his fellow Top-4 picks.
Dybantsa racked up a long list of awards after his lone season at BYU, including a Consensus First-Team All-American and Big 12 Freshman of the Year, both well-deserved after leading college basketball with 25.5 points per game. The Cougars collapsed towards the end of their season, dealing with injuries and losing their first NCAA Tournament matchup.
Wilson arguably was the best player in college basketball until his injury during UNC's 75-66 loss at Miami (FL), consistently recording double-doubles while averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, en route to First-Team All-ACC and Second Team All-America honors. Wilson targeted a return for North Carolina's rematch with Duke, but an injury in practice the week leading up ended his season.
Wilson and Dybantsa took over the college game in just one year. Now, the two star rookies will look to take over the NBA, starting with this can't-miss late-October matchup.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Caleb Wilson to play against first overall pick in rookie NBA season