How Tough is the Chicago Bulls 2021-22 Schedule?

After a franchise-changing free agency period this summer, I was about as hyped for the 2021-22 schedule release as I was for the Spider-man: Far From Home trailer. Which is to say, a lot. And much like the release of that trailer, once it did finally hit my Twitter timeline, I was ready for someone to take my money.

The season will start on the road against No. 1-overall pick Cade Cunningham on October 20th before the Bulls return home for Lonzo Ball to have a revenge game. The first four contests are all against squads who missed the playoffs last season, giving this new-look Chicago team a solid chance to get off on a good note before an absolute gauntlet begins at the end of the month.

Starting with a matchup against the New York Knicks on October 28th, the Bulls will rattle off 13 games against 2020-21 playoff opponents. The stint will come complete with a five-game Western Conference road trip.

However, look past this brutal stretch, and things look pretty darn decent for Zach LaVine and Co. The Bulls have the 8th-easiest strength of schedule in the league starting November 22nd. Overall, the team’s SOS is the 12th-easiest.

Here is how the top-15 shake out (from easiest to toughest), according to Positive Residual.

1. Jazz
2. Nuggets
3. Hawks
4. Nets
5. Pacers
6. Suns
7. Lakers
8. Bucks
9. 76ers
10. Mavericks
11. Heat
12. Bulls
13. Pelicans
14. Blazers
15. Grizzlies

We should not live and die by SOS rankings, but there is no denying the value in having a less taxing schedule than fellow conference opponents. The Jazz had the easiest SOS in the league last season, and they finished first in the West. Meanwhile, the Bucks and Suns had the third and fourth-easiest schedules, respectively, and I have to imagine that helped save some legs come playoff time (FWIW: Hawks had fourth and Knicks had 8th).

So how does the Bulls’ SOS compare to some of their potential East rivals? Well, the Wizards (15th-toughest), Celtics (14th-toughest), and Hornets (13th-toughest) all were dealt a tougher hand than Chicago. The Raptors were also dealt the 5th-hardest schedule while the Knicks received the 10th-hardest slate. Yippie! The Pacers, on the other hand, were given a significantly easier draw, being handed the 5th-easiest schedule. Boo!

The Bulls also check in on the better half of the “rest disadvantage” category, per Positive Residual. The team will be one of 13 to have at least 10 games where they are coming off less rest than their opponents. Another 17 teams in the league, however, will be stuck with 11 or more games where this is the case, including eight other Eastern Conference squads. What about the opposite scenario? The Bulls will join seven teams as having 11 games with a rest advantage, which happens to be the most popular amount in the league.

Similarly, as we noted when the schedule initially dropped, the team will have 14 back-to-back affairs, which seems to be the standard this upcoming season. Only four teams will play more than that mark.

For more on all these logistics, though, I recommend you go to Positive Residual. They give great insight into every team’s schedule, and they display it all in a very easily digestible manner.

Another good thing to keep in mind is we are back to 82 games this season. What this means is the Bulls will see the Bucks, Pistons, Cavaliers, and Pacers four times each. The division matters about as much as my ability to do the worm, but it can come through relatively clutch (like doing the worm at parties!) when three of a team’s four division opponents have rosters capable of missing the playoffs. No doubt, the questionable nature of the Pistons, Cavaliers, and Pacers is part of the reason why we see the Bulls have a slightly easier schedule this season.

So, yeah, all around I’d say it’s a pretty solid slate for a team hoping to end a four-season playoff drought. October 20th can’t come soon enough!

For a complete look at the 2021-22 schedule, go here.

written by

Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

more bulls news

What Would be the Best Draw for the Chicago Bulls in the Play-In Tournament?

Nine games stand between the Chicago Bulls and the Play-In Tournament. I know ... yippie! Practically locked into the No. 9 seed, this puts them in line to host the No. 10 seed at the United Center in Round 1....

Best Defense of the Season, Playing Big, Javonte Green’s Instant Impact, and Other Bulls Bullets

Lose to the 14-win Wizards one game and hold the Pacers' elite offense to their worst performance of the season the next. Your 2023-24 Chicago Bulls, everyone! As I said in last night's Enhanced Box Score, I'm now even more...

WOW: Minnesota Timberwolves Sale to Alex Rodriguez Falls Through

The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped a bomb on Thursday morning. According to a statement released by the Timberwolves and Lynx ownership group, the franchise is no longer for sale. A transition of power was thought to be in place over the...

Enhanced Box Score: Bulls 125, Pacers 99 – March 27, 2024

I got to be honest, I'm even more upset about the Washington Wizards' loss. If the Chicago Bulls played like they did tonight, they would have beaten that depleted Wizards team by 40. This was a locked-in group from the...

Javonte Green Makes Bulls Return… Immediately Does Awesome Stuff

Javonte Green has officially made his Chicago Bulls debut ... again. The 30-year-old signed with the organization via a 10-day hardship deal on March 22. Injuries to Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Julian Phillips paved the way for...

WATCH: Alex Caruso Snatches Rookie Ben Sheppard’s Ankles

Alex Caruso will always be known for his defense capabilities, but he's showing a lot more than that this season. The veteran guard is averaging double-digit points for the first time in his career. A big part of that has...

Draymond Green Ejected Less Than 4 Minutes Into Game Against Orlando

Draymond Green was at it again on Wednesday night. Out East to take on the Orlando Magic, the Golden State Warriors watched Paolo Banchero bulldoze Andrew Wiggins to the rim early in the first quarter. As Banchero high-fived his teammates...

Pre-Gamin’: Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls (7:00 CT), Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

Everything was awful on Tuesday. Be Better. https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1772971933161705610?s=20 Game Info Indiana Pacers (41-32) at Chicago Bulls (34-38) – 7:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio) Projected Starting Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Alex Caruso Ayo Dosunmu...

Around the Association: Caitlin Clark Gets Big(3) Offer, Knicks Getting Help, Lakers OT Thriller, More

It's hard to believe we have less than three weeks remaining in the NBA's regular season, and we should be in for some real drama down the stretch. The Knicks have plenty to play for in their remaining 11 games...

WHOA: NCAA Looking to Ban Prop Betting on All College Athletes

As the NCAA men's basketball tournament gears up for the Sweet Sixteen, the college sports world received some big news. On Wednesday morning, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that NCAA president Charlie Baker wants to officially ban prop betting on college...

Latest News

Marlins vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Miami Marlins (0-1) are favorites (-132) on the moneyline when they square off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) Friday at 7:10 PM ET, live on BSFL.Miami's Andrew Jacob Puk and Pittsburgh's Martin Perez have been named the starters for...

Rays vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) and Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) meet Friday at Tropicana Field, starting at 6:50 PM ET on SNET. The Rays are -122 moneyline favorites for the contest, however, the Blue Jays are favored against the spread...

Astros vs. Yankees Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The New York Yankees (1-0) visit the Houston Astros (0-1) for a road game on Friday at 8:10 PM ET.The Astros will look to Cristian Javier versus the Yankees and Carlos Rodon.Astros vs. Yankees Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday,...

Bet $5 with FanDuel Promo Code, Win $200 Bonus Including NCAA Tournament

This weekend is packed with great sports action including the NCAA Tournament, MLB, and NBA for bettors. Check out the FanDuel promo code to score a $200 bonus if your first $5 bet wins! If you live in NC, you...

DraftKings Promo Code: Get $150 for $5 Bet on College Basketball and More Sports

This time of the year on the sports calendar is truly special with the MLB season starting, college basketball in full swing, and much more! Don't miss out on the chance to grab a bonus by using the latest DraftKings...

Rays vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) play on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) at Tropicana Field. The game is set to start at 6:50 PM ET on Friday.The Rays will call on Aaron Civale versus the Blue Jays...

Marlins vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) play on Friday in Miami against the Miami Marlins (0-1). First pitch is at 7:10 PM ET.The Marlins will call on Andrew Jacob Puk against the Pirates and Martin Perez.Marlins vs. Pirates Pitcher Matchup and Game...

Duke vs Houston Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

We have a couple of number-one seeds in March Madness action tonight including Houston (32-4) as the Cougars take on Duke (26-8). Check out the odds and more for Duke vs Houston which tips off tonight at 9:39 pm ET...

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup. This strong showing translates to a relatively stable roster with few glaring weaknesses...

Fanatics NC Promo Code Scores Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets Over 10 Days: Dive into North Carolina Sports Betting

After a long wait, legal sports betting has finally arrived in the Tar Heel State. Fanatics NC, along with host of other sports books are up and operating in North Carolina. This exciting development opens doors for fans to wager...

more bulls news