The NBA preseason schedule tips off with an intriguing Central Division clash as the Cleveland Cavaliers host the Chicago Bulls tonight at 7:00 PM UTC at the newly christened Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. While the calendar might read October 7, 2025, and the stakes aren’t yet at their regular-season peak, this early encounter between two historic rivals offers a crucial glimpse into their preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season. What new tactical wrinkles will coaches Kenny Atkinson and Billy Donovan unveil? How will key players returning from the summer break perform? And which team will establish an early psychological edge in this revitalized rivalry?
Head-to-Head
The rivalry between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers runs deep, spanning decades of memorable matchups. In the regular season, these two franchises have faced each other 238 times, with the Bulls holding a historical advantage of 133 wins to the Cavaliers’ 105. Including playoff encounters, the Bulls lead the all-time series 153-119 across 271 games.
Recent Results (Last 5 Meetings):
- April 8, 2025: Cleveland Cavaliers 135 – Chicago Bulls 113
- March 4, 2025: Chicago Bulls 117 – Cleveland Cavaliers 139
- November 15, 2024: Cleveland Cavaliers 144 – Chicago Bulls 126
- November 11, 2024: Chicago Bulls 113 – Cleveland Cavaliers 119
- October 18, 2024: Chicago Bulls 139 – Cleveland Cavaliers 137
The Cavaliers enter this preseason fixture on a four-game winning streak against the Bulls, a significant stretch that culminated in their dominant 135-113 victory on April 8, 2025, a win that also saw them clinch the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2016 and without LeBron James on the roster. A truly notable individual performance in this rivalry came on January 2, 2023, when Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell erupted for an astonishing 71 points against the Bulls.
Current Form & Team News
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 season, finishing atop the Eastern Conference with a remarkable 64-18 record. They started the season with an impressive 15-game winning streak, tying a franchise record. Under the guidance of head coach Kenny Atkinson, who was hired on June 28, 2024, the team showcased a formidable blend of offense and defense.
For this preseason opener, the Cavaliers will likely be looking to reintegrate their core. Key players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen will be expected to shake off the rust. However, Max Strus, who underwent surgery on a fractured left foot on August 26, is expected to be out for three to four months, meaning he will miss the start of the 2025-26 season, including this game. Darius Garland’s availability could also be monitored, as he was reportedly dealing with a toe injury to start the season.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls had a more challenging 2024-25 campaign, finishing 9th in the Eastern Conference with a 39-43 record. As they embark on the 2025-26 season, the Bulls will be keen to improve their standing and establish consistency. The preseason offers a vital opportunity to refine their strategy and build team chemistry.
The Bulls’ roster for the upcoming season features familiar faces like Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, and Zach LaVine. There has been speculation around Lonzo Ball’s long-term injury status, with reports suggesting he may be limited in back-to-back games to start the season, though his status for this specific preseason game isn’t confirmed. Rookies and new additions will be eager to impress and secure their roles within Coach Billy Donovan’s system.
Tactical Preview
As a preseason encounter, both teams will likely prioritize experimentation and player evaluation over a strict game plan. Coach Kenny Atkinson, in his second season with the Cavaliers, will probably continue to emphasize the defensive intensity and fluid offensive schemes that propelled them to the top seed in 2024-25. The Cavaliers boast an imposing frontcourt with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, offering significant rim protection and rebounding. Their backcourt, led by Mitchell and Garland, will look to push the pace and create scoring opportunities through drives and perimeter shooting.
The Bulls, under Billy Donovan, are expected to feature an uptempo offense, with Coby White providing scoring and playmaking from the guard position. The matchup between the Cavaliers’ dynamic backcourt and the Bulls’ guards, potentially featuring Josh Giddey and Zach LaVine, will be a key battle. The frontcourt clash between Vucevic and the Cavs’ bigs will also be crucial for controlling the paint and rebounds. With it being a preseason game, expect to see extended minutes for bench players and those vying for roster spots, leading to varied lineups and strategic approaches throughout the contest. The game will be played at Cleveland’s home arena, Rocket Arena, providing a familiar setting for the Cavaliers.
