It may not be readily apparent, but the Chicago Bulls have reason for optimism despite their 1-4 start to the season.
The Bulls look to take another step forward when they visit the Boston Celtics on Friday in the NBA Cup Group C opener for both teams. They’ll be tested by a Boston team that has won three straight, including a 125-124 overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
Chicago arrives in Boston following a 133-127 loss to the New York Knicks on Wednesday. The Bulls led by as many as 19 points but could not withstand Jalen Brunson’s 38-point performance.
Despite the loss, Chicago showed signs of improvement, shooting 48.4% from the field and 42.9% (18 of 42) from 3-point range. Norman Powell led the Bulls with 30 points, while rookie Caleb Wilson contributed 20 and Matas Buzelis and Jalen Smith each added 17.
“Played our hardest and had the best effort we could,” Wilson said. “I feel that’s a step in the right direction. It’s good we’re playing these great teams so early. Forces us to play at the best of our ability. Start of the year, we haven’t been making shots, but I know that is going to change. And when it does, we’ll be great.”
Wilson added six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in the loss to New York. The 20-year-old is one of three NBA rookies this season averaging at least 20 points.
“Obviously, I have a lot of expectations put on (me) from other people, and I’m just trying to manage that and play to the best of my ability every game,” Wilson said. “I feel every game I’ve done well in some aspect. I feel every game I’m going to get better; that’s the goal. First year in the NBA, you expect some type of hardship no matter what. Just like starting a job.”
Chicago is 2-10 in its last 12 games versus Boston, which pulled off a dramatic win against Brooklyn on Tuesday.
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum delivered the decisive blow, burying a jumper at the buzzer to finish with 40 points, eight assists and five rebounds. The performance offered another encouraging sign of his progress following the Achilles injury that sidelined him for much of the 2025-26 season.
Tatum’s return to form has given the Celtics a major boost through four games. He played a season-high 42 minutes against Brooklyn, which rallied late in regulation before Tatum hit the game-winner in overtime.
“That was a hell of a feeling, just kind of getting back to doing things that I used to do before I was injured,” Tatum said. “And sharing that moment with my teammates on the court, seeing them rally and be excited for me.”
Boston also received a strong contribution from Derrick White, who drew MVP chants from the home crowd late in the game and finished with 16 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
“D-White is my favorite teammate, one of my favorite people,” Tatum said. “That’s what I love about this city and the fans here. They know what winning basketball is and they know when guys are contributing and doing spectacular things or maybe all the little things… I think it’s really cool and much deserved.”
This is the second matchup between the Celtics and Bulls of the young season. Boston ran away with a 134-99 home win on Monday.
