Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls open the 2026–27 NBA season with a 135–92 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Locked On Bulls breaks down the opener, the early lessons, and where Chicago can improve as the season gets underway.
We discuss Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and the Bulls’ young core, plus the offensive execution, defensive adjustments, and developing chemistry to watch moving forward.
It’s one game in an 82-game season, but there’s still plenty to learn. What can Chicago take from this matchup, and what adjustments would you like to see next game?
Subscribe to Locked On Bulls for your daily Chicago Bulls podcast, Bulls news, postgame reactions, and analysis. Your team. Every day.
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Caleb Wilson had a couple positive moments but overall, it was a struggle for the Chicago Bulls in their loss to the Toronto Raptors. Matas Buzelis & Josh Giddey were non-factors, and the Bulls couldn't buy a bucket, start the season 0-1.


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Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

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Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Chicago Bulls just made two important long-term decisions — and the next ones could shape the entire rebuild. 👀🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Chicago officially exercising the 2027-28 team options on Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue, locking both young forwards in for another season. Matas is now set to make $7.58 million in 2027-28 and becomes extension-eligible next summer, while Noa remains under team control as Chicago continues evaluating his development. Pasted text
The bigger question is what comes next.
Matas averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks last season, and if he takes another major leap, the Bulls could soon be talking about a nine-figure extension. Pasted text
So Haize and Pat debate:
If Matas averages around 21 points, six rebounds and two blocks this season, would you offer him five years and $150 million next summer?
The guys also discuss what a successful second season should look like for Noa Essengue, who is still only 19 and fighting for opportunities in a crowded young forward rotation.
Then the conversation shifts to Norman Powell and a much bigger front-office question: should the Bulls eventually use him as part of a package for an established star instead of simply flipping him for future picks?
Powell is coming off an All-Star season after averaging 21.7 points per game while shooting 38% from three, and his contract includes a team option for 2027-28. Pasted text
That flexibility could make him valuable in a major trade.
Haize and Pat discuss whether Chicago should eventually follow the type of path Indiana took when it traded for Pascal Siakam — using draft capital and movable contracts to accelerate the timeline around a young core. Would a proven All-Star next to Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey push Chicago toward real contention, or would that be rushing the rebuild?
Plus, the guys react to the Eastern Conference already showing how brutal Chicago’s path could be.
Detroit opened the season with a win over Boston, while Philadelphia beat the defending champion Knicks. Chicago’s first nine games include seven matchups against Toronto, Boston, New York and Philadelphia, giving Tiago Splitter’s young roster an immediate test. Pasted text Pasted text
The question is not just whether the Bulls win or lose.
The Bulls have moved beyond simply collecting young talent. Now Bryson Graham has to decide when to pay, when to develop, and when to strike.
🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Matas and Noa contract decisions, debate Norman Powell’s value in a potential star trade, and ask whether Chicago is ready for one of the toughest opening stretches in the East.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
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Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
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Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Chicago Bulls are getting one big man back just as another remains sidelined. 👀🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Zach Collins being fully cleared for practice and potentially being available for the season opener. With Nic Claxton expected to miss another two weeks, Collins’ return could become much more important than anyone expected heading into the first week of the 2026-27 NBA season.
The guys break down what Collins can bring immediately, how Tiago Splitter should manage the center rotation, and whether Collins or Jalen Smith should get the first crack at replacing Claxton in the starting lineup.
Chicago built much of its defensive identity around Claxton’s rim protection, switching ability, and versatility. Without him, the Bulls may have to adjust how aggressively they defend the perimeter and how much responsibility they put on Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Isaac Okoro, and the rest of the young core.
Haize and Pat also discuss the bigger concern: how much should Bulls fans worry about Claxton being out another two weeks?
Hamstring injuries can be tricky, and the Bulls cannot afford to rush one of their most important offseason additions back before he is ready. But every game Claxton misses is also another game Chicago has to build chemistry without its expected defensive anchor.
Plus, the guys ask one of the most important questions heading into opening week:
Who has the biggest first week for the Bulls?
Is it Josh Giddey, who has to control the offense and set the tone? Is it Matas Buzelis, who needs to show his Year 3 leap is real? Is it rookie Caleb Wilson, who faces immediate expectations? Or is it Zach Collins, whose sudden importance may force him into a major role right away?
The Bulls finally get to move from preseason questions to real answers. Claxton’s absence creates an early test, Collins’ return could stabilize the frontcourt, and the first week will give fans their first real look at which players are ready to carry bigger responsibilities.
🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Zach Collins’ return, Nic Claxton’s extended absence, and which Bulls player has the most important first week of the season.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Who are the BEST and WORST teams in the NBA heading into the 2026-27 season? With opening night just around the corner, Locked On NBA Daily reveals its official 30-team NBA Power Rankings, organized into S-through-F tiers! Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize unveil rankings voted on by hosts from all 30 Locked On NBA team podcasts, debating the biggest surprises, overrated contenders and underrated playoff hopefuls. The Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and defending champion New York Knicks headline the exclusive S Tier. But do Victor Wembanyama's Spurs belong alongside the NBA's elite? Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics are among the teams trying to break into that top group. And why are Giannis Antetokounmpo's Miami Heat only in the B Tier? Are the Golden State Warriors really a C-tier team? Have the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings hit rock bottom?
Plus, reactions from Locked On team hosts and predictions for which teams will rise or fall. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-nba Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More
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Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
KALSHI Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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