One night after picking up their first win of the 2026-27 season, the Bulls are right back at it - this time at home against a Wizards team that has already followed the same script through two games.
Both Chicago and Washington come into the United Center at 1-1, each beating Milwaukee and losing to the Raptors. It sets up a matchup that could be far tighter than it first looks, especially with both clubs opening their first back-to-back stretch of the season. The Bulls will lean on youth and energy, but that alone won’t be enough if the details slip again.
Chicago’s starting group needs to find a better rhythm. Through two games, the Bulls have looked rushed rather than crisp, trying to play fast but often turning that pace into messy possessions.
Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis, in particular, have not looked fully settled into their roles. The Wizards may not be a juggernaut, but with Trae Young and Anthony Davis on the floor, Chicago can’t afford another uneven night from its top unit.
The frontcourt matchup is another area that could tilt this game Washington’s way. Anthony Davis is already a load, and Alex Sarr’s strong sophomore year only adds to the problem.
Deandre Ayton gives the Wizards another big body off the bench, which is hardly ideal for a Bulls team that will be without Nic Claxton. Jalen Smith has had his moments, but he doesn’t bring the same physical edge, and Zach Collins is still getting back into game shape.
Chicago will need help from everywhere to keep Washington from controlling the paint, with Buzelis, Wilson, and Leonard Miller all expected to chip in on the boards and defensively.
Then there’s the whistle. Tiago Splitter has been pushing for more physical play, but the Bulls have already spent plenty of time at the line this season.
That trend has carried over from the preseason into the first two games, and while Chicago has done a respectable job earning free throws itself, the bigger issue is keeping the opponent off the stripe. That won’t be easy with Young and Davis both getting there at will.
Young is 20-26 to start the year and leads the league in total attempts, while Davis is right behind at 14-18. In a strange twist, Chicago is the only team that has taken more free throws than Washington over the first two games.
Chicago is set to go with Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Jalen Smith.
Washington’s lineup features Trae Young, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and Anthony Davis.
The Bulls will again be without Nic Claxton (hamstring), Noa Essengue (head), and Patrick Williams (adductor). The Wizards listed AJ Dybantsa (ankle) and Tristan Vukcevic (hip) as out.
Bulls vs. Wizards is set for 7:00 PM CT at the United Center. Chicago Sports Network will carry the game, and 104.3 FM The Score will have the radio call.
In Other News...
Wizards Still Waiting As AJ Dybantsa Absence Starts To Matter
AJ Dybantsas early season introduction to Washington has been put on hold a bit longer, with the rookie wing still dealing with an ankle injury and set to miss his fourth straight game when the Wizards meet Charlotte. Head coach Brian Keefe has described the issue as not serious, and the team is choosing a cautious path while Dybantsa works his way back from the setback.
The injury traces back to the final preseason game, when he landed awkwardly and came up hurt against New Orleans. In the meantime, Washington has leaned on its veteran core, with Trae Young and Anthony Davis carrying the load and helping steady the younger players while Dybantsa waits for his turn to join the rotation. [Read more 🡒]
Trae Young Has Lifted The Wizards But One Problem Still Lingers
Trae Young has given the Wizards an immediate jolt to open the season, bringing the kind of creation and shot-making Washington has been searching for. He has been in full command as a playmaker, setting the tone for the offense while also scoring enough to keep defenses from overloading on his passing game.
Even with a win over the Bulls in hand, the closing stretch showed there is still work to do. Washington built a comfortable fourth-quarter lead, then had to sweat out a late Chicago push before escaping, a reminder that the teams improved offense will need cleaner late-game execution if it wants this fast start to translate into something more durable. [Read more 🡒]