The first 25 games of the season will dictate the rest of the Chicago Bulls season

How the Chicago Bulls fare right off the gates may eventually determine which direction the franchise will go as the season progresses. While team brass has continued to harp on the virtues of continuity and stability, a strong start could fuel optimism throughout the organization.

On the other hand, with the team looking eerily similar to the one that underperformed last season, a rough beginning to the season could pave the way for further change and upheaval. It is an understatement to say that this upcoming campaign will be crucial for Chicago's long-term direction as a franchise.

Challenging opener

The Bulls kick off the 2023-2024 season with a match against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Before you pen that as a surefire win, take note this isn’t the same Thunder squad that had been undergoing a rebuild over the last few seasons. Rather, this team is on the cusp of playoff contention. With bona fide star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and promising big man Chet Holmgren, the Thunder pose a tough challenge for the Bulls in the season-opener on October 25.

Tough schedule

The Thunder game is just the tip of the iceberg for the Bulls, as the team will go on to have four games against the Eastern Conference champions Miami Heat, three against the Milwaukee Bucks, two versus the reigning NBA titlists Denver Nuggets, and one match each against powerhouse squads Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns.

This 25-game stretch will give the Bulls a robust sample size to see if the direction they’re going is the right one. If not, changes might be in order, especially with ace wingman DeMar DeRozan becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The Chicago Bulls 2023-2024 Full Season Schedule. pic.twitter.com/kNomg7l00k
— BullsMuse (@BullsMuse_) August 17, 2023