Chicago Bulls 2016-17 Schedule Released: 5 Must See Games

CHICAGO, IL - The Chicago Bulls will follow one of the most eventful off-seasons in team history this year, so it’s never too early to look ahead to some of the match-ups casual fans will take the most interest in.

Oct. 27 vs. Boston Celtics: The team’s season opener will be at home against the Boston Celtics. It will be the first time Chicago-born superstar Dwyane Wade suits up for the Bulls in front of the home fans. He may have to get used to hearing cheers from the fans. The game will also be the first for Rajon Rondo in a Bulls uniform. Rondo saw his best years with the Celtics, winning a championship for the team in 2008.

Nov. 4 vs. New York Knicks: Two of the most recognizable faces on the court for the home fans might be wearing away jerseys in this game. It’s the what’s sure to be plenty hyped return of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah to the United Center with the Knicks. It’s early in the season, too, so Rose won’t have as much a chance to get hurt before this marquee matchup rolls around.

Nov. 10 at Miami Heat: It will be interesting to see the reception Wade gets when the Bulls visit Miami, his home of 13 years, for the first time this season. Will they show appreciation for a man who won three titles one one NBA Finals MVP for them? Or will they condemn the Chicago native’s decision to close out his career with the Bulls?

Dec. 2 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: A Cleveland team will come to Chicago as the defending champion for the first time in at least a half century. It will also be the first divisional clash between Wade and Cavaliers superstar LeBron James, his good friend and former teammate in Miami.

Dec. 25 at San Antonio Spurs: It’s the seventh year in a row the Bulls will play in a nationally televised Christmas Day game, and this one will offer yet another reunion. While visiting Western Conference powerhouse San Antonio, the Bulls won’t see Tim Duncan, who retired after 19 seasons this summer. But they will run into Pau Gasol, who spent the last couple of seasons with the Bulls.

The limelight will also be on the Bulls when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time. The Timberwolves hired former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau in the off-season, one year after he was fired by the Bulls despite numerous playoff appearances.

Games at the United Center against the Golden State Warriors and new star Kevin Durant and the Spurs will also be hot tickets.