Main Story: Chicago opens the 2026-27 season against Toronto in a matchup framed as the start of a new era. Caleb Wilson makes his regular-season debut, while coach Tiago Splitter leads his first Bulls game and Josh Giddey takes charge of the offense. The young Bulls face an immediate test from Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes.

Yes, But

Chicago’s preseason promise now has to translate into regular-season execution. The Bulls must show they can defend Toronto’s veteran scorers, protect the paint and keep their transition game effective when the Raptors are set.

State of Play
  • Key Bulls storylines include Wilson’s debut, Matas Buzelis’ third season and Norman Powell’s scoring role.
  • Splitter’s rotations and the team’s movement-heavy offensive identity are also in focus.
  • Toronto counters with Leonard and Barnes as Chicago’s young players face an early physical challenge.
Bottom Line

Opening night is Chicago’s first real measure of whether its new leadership, young talent and preseason progress can hold up when the games count.