The Chicago Bulls were considered the regular season champions in years past during the Tom Thibodeau regime. Even when the Bulls couldn’t obtain the number one seed due to injuries, they clearly outdid themselves by claiming home-court in the first round. As Bulls fans have learned in the past, regular season games doesn’t win championships. However, there are a few key statement games in the regular season that fans must tune into.
1) Bulls vs Cavaliers: The famous Bulls vs whatever team Lebron is on match up. Before it was Cleveland, then Miami, and now back to Cleveland. With the Cavs going into the season with full force and a healthy roster, it’ll be a good statement game for the Bulls to win. Also, both teams could be competing for the top seed in their conference and division, so a victory could potentially be the tie-breaker between the two teams.
2) Bulls vs Warriors: Playing the defending champions would be a good measuring stick for the Bulls to see how far they’ve come. In order to be the best, they must beat the best. Warriors proved to the NBA they’re the best team in the league and show no signs of slowing down. It’ll be good to see how Derrick Rose handles another point guard battle between himself and Stephen Curry.
3) Bulls vs Spurs: Another western conference team that will help measure the Bulls to see how far they’ve come. It’s important to see how the Bulls compete with elite teams, whether they win or lose. The addition of LaMarcus Aldridge and David West will test the Bulls front court.
4) Bulls vs Hawks: Really? The Hawks? Yes. While they may seem like the most random team to put on this list, they’re a team the Bulls likely will be competing for a higher seed in the East. Last season, the Hawks stunned the NBA as they won 60 games in the East. If both teams stay healthy, a win could result in a potential tie-breaker.
5) Bulls vs Bucks: The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the teams that improved dramatically overnight this summer. With the addition of Greg Monroe and Jabari Parker returning from an ACL injury, the Bucks will get a lot better right off the bat. Not only are the Bucks a division rival, but they’re also considered as the Bulls’ younger brother. A team that the Bulls can push around no matter who the Bucks add. After struggling to take out the Bucks in the playoffs, the Bucks will try to prove themselves against the Bulls by treating their first meeting as a statement game. The Bulls must retaliate and treat it just as important.
