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BULLS ANALYSIS

Old acquaintances

Five takeaways from 2024-25 Bulls schedule — including returns of Caruso, DeRozan and a New Year’s Day game

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Alex Caruso ends up in the front row during a game against the Blazers on March 18 at the United Center. Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune

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By Julia Poe Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls fans can start making plans for the upcoming season: The NBA on Thursday released the 2024-25 schedule.

The Bulls start with two road games — the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 23, then against the Milwaukee Bucks two nights later.

Here are five takeaways from the Bulls schedule.

1. Alex Caruso’s return to the United Center: The Bulls open their home season with a hint of nostalgia: Former guard Alex Caruso returns to the United Center on Oct. 26 with his new team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are seeking to improve on their Western Conference semifinals finish. Caruso spent three seasons in Chicago, where he earned All-NBA defensive first- and second-team selections.

The game also will be a reunion for new Bulls guard Josh Giddey, who was acquired in the trade for Caruso in June. Giddey will be looking to prove himself after the Thunder benched him at the end of their postseason run, a shift that ultimately was the catalyst for the guard to seek a new team.

2. Bulls look for first NBA Cup win: The Bulls still are searching for their first win in the NBA Cup, an in-season tournament that debuted in 2023-24. Four regular-season games will function as the group stage in the tournament. The winner of each group — plus select wild-card teams — will advance to the knockout round.

The Bulls remain in East Group C for the tournament. Their schedule includes home games against the Atlanta Hawks (Nov. 22) and Boston Celtics (Nov. 29) and away games against the Cleveland Cavaliers (Nov. 15) and Washington Wizards (Nov. 26).

3. DeMar DeRozan returns to Chicago: Bulls fans will have to wait until Jan. 12 to see DeMar DeRozan back at the United Center when the star makes his Chicago debut with the Sacramento Kings in a Sunday matinee.

After a three-year tenure in which DeRozan anchored the Bulls on and off the court, the forward left for the Kings as a free agent in a sign-and-trade deal in July.

4. Gold medalists come to town: The schedule also includes home matchups against newly minted U.S. gold medalists from the Paris Olympics: Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 8, Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 22 and LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on March 27.

5. Bulls slated for only 5 national TV games — but do play on New Year’s Day: This is one of the thinnest national TV schedules for the Bulls in recent years as the team is slated for only five such games.

The Nov. 7 home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nov. 23 home matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies and April 6 contest at the Charlotte Hornets will be broadcast on NBA TV. The Nov. 20 matchup at the Bucks and Jan. 17 game at the Hornets will be broadcast on ESPN.

The Bulls are not scheduled for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day games but will play on New Year’s Day on the road against the Wizards.