The Toronto Raptors host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in the opening round of the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (America/New_York) and 19:30 local venue time at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, with live coverage in the United States on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), CHSN App, NBA League Pass, and Fubo.
Because this is the opening game of the 2026-27 regular season for both franchises, the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls enter the court with a 0-0 record in the Eastern Conference. In the previous 2025-26 regular season, the Toronto Raptors finished fifth in the East at 46-36 and advanced to the playoffs, while the Chicago Bulls placed twelfth in the conference at 31-51 and missed the postseason. During the 2026-27 preseason, the Chicago Bulls recorded three wins and two losses, closing their preparation with victories over the Milwaukee Bucks by 125-104 and the Minnesota Timberwolves by 133-116. In the most recent regular-season meeting between the two sides on March 18, 2026, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Chicago Bulls 139-109 in Chicago.
Where to watch Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls live
Basketball fans in the United States have four confirmed broadcast and streaming options to follow the season opener between the two Eastern Conference teams.
- Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) — cable TV
- CHSN App — streaming
- NBA League Pass — streaming
- Fubo — streaming
Start time and venue for Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls
The opening-night matchup takes place in Ontario, Canada, with the following official schedule and venue details.
- Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Time in the US: 7:30 p.m. (19:30 America/New_York)
- Local venue time: 19:30 (America/Toronto)
- Venue: Scotiabank Arena, in Toronto
- Competition: NBA — Regular Season
Read also: NBA Preseason: Chicago Bulls face Minnesota Timberwolves at United Center in final tune-up game
How the Toronto Raptors enter the game
The Toronto Raptors are led by head coach Darko Rajaković, whose coaching staff for the 2026-27 campaign features assistant coaches Stephen Silas, Pat Delany, Jama Mahlalela, Matt Vest, and Jeremy Castleberry. The franchise announced its official 16-player opening-night roster on Monday, October 19, 2026. The probable starting five for the season debut consists of point guard Immanuel Quickley, shooting guard RJ Barrett, forward Kawhi Leonard, forward/power forward Scottie Barnes, and center Jakob Poeltl.
Wednesday’s matchup marks the official regular-season return of forward Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors after he was reacquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade finalized in September 2026 and signed a two-year, US$ 115 million contract extension. In the 2025-26 season, Leonard averaged 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds across 65 games, while Scottie Barnes posted averages of 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game for Toronto. Regarding player availability, pre-game reports indicate no absences among the main rotation, with only center Nate Bittle listed as out due to a right foot fracture.
How the Chicago Bulls enter the game
The Chicago Bulls are coached by Brazilian head coach Tiago Splitter, who was hired for the 2026-27 season following the departure of Billy Donovan and after serving as interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2025-26 campaign. Chicago’s core starting lineup features point guard Josh Giddey, shooting guard Norman Powell, forward Matas Buzelis, and rookie power forward Caleb Wilson, who was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. In the 2025-26 season, Josh Giddey averaged 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, while Matas Buzelis recorded 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest.
In the frontcourt, either Jalen Smith or Zach Collins will take over the starting center spot due to the absence of regular starter Nic Claxton. According to the official NBA injury report and pre-game team updates, Nic Claxton is confirmed out of the game with a hamstring strain. In addition, Dailyn Swain is listed between out and doubtful with a gastrointestinal illness, and Jordan Hawkins is doubtful for the same reason. Meanwhile, Zach Collins (toe/quadriceps), Tobe Awaka (knee), Isaac Okoro (knee), and Leonard Miller (adductor) are listed as probable or day-to-day for the opener, and the competition does not apply accumulated card suspension rules.
Read also: Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors: where to watch live and start time (NBA, Oct 16)
Officiating for Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls
The officiating crew (Crew Chief, Referee, and Umpire) for the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls had not been announced on the NBA’s official portal by early Wednesday morning, as the league publishes referee assignments on the morning of game day.
Head-to-head history and next games for Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls
The Toronto Raptors won all three head-to-head meetings against the Chicago Bulls during the 2025-26 NBA regular season. Toronto secured a 123-107 victory on February 5, 2026, followed by a 110-101 win on February 19, 2026. In the third and final clash of that campaign, held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago, the Toronto Raptors beat the Chicago Bulls 139-109, with RJ Barrett scoring 23 points for Toronto and Matas Buzelis recording 19 points for Chicago.
Following Wednesday’s opener in Toronto, both teams return to the court for their second regular-season commitment on Friday, October 23, 2026. On that date, the Toronto Raptors play on the road against the Washington Wizards, while the Chicago Bulls travel to face the Milwaukee Bucks away from home.