What's Happening?
The Chicago Bulls have released their schedule for the 2025-26 NBA season, which includes participation in the NBA Cup group stage. The Bulls will play four games in East Group C against the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Charlotte Hornets. These games will count towards both the regular-season record and the NBA Cup standings. The Bulls will host the Knicks and Heat, while traveling to face the Bucks and Hornets. The winners of each group, along with two wild-card teams, will advance to the knockout round, with quarterfinals hosted by higher-seeded teams and semifinals and finals held in Las Vegas. The Bulls have not advanced past the group stage in previous tournaments.
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Why It's Important?
The inclusion of the NBA Cup games in the regular season schedule adds a competitive layer to the Bulls' season, offering them a chance to advance in a tournament setting. This could impact team strategy and player management as they balance regular season goals with tournament aspirations. The limited national television exposure, with only three games broadcasted nationally, highlights the importance of local broadcasting and streaming services for fan engagement. The absence of games on major holidays may affect fan attendance and viewership during these periods.
What's Next?
The Bulls will begin their season on October 22 against the Detroit Pistons and will conclude on April 12 against the Dallas Mavericks. If the Bulls do not advance in the NBA Cup, they will play additional regular-season games in December. Fans can expect to follow the Bulls primarily through CHSN, as most games will not be nationally televised. The team will face challenges with 13 back-to-back games, which may require strategic planning for player rest and rotation.
