Chicago Bulls: 3 opening week storylines to look for

The Chicago Bulls tip off Thursday night against Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Here are three storylines to look for during the Bulls’ opening week.

After a hectic summer, the Chicago Bulls are about to embark on another NBA season. The Bulls open the 2018-19 regular season Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers. After facing off against Joel Embiid in Philly, Chicago will face Blake Griffin and the Detroit Pistons Saturday in their home opener at the United Center.

The Bulls enter the new season with plenty of headlines swirling in Chicago. Lauri Markkanen will miss at least the first month of the season due to an elbow strain. Zach LaVine has fully recovered from his ACL injury suffered as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves and of course, there’s Jabari Parker.

The franchise heralded his signing as the return of a hometown legend, but Parker was also brought in as a missing link for the team. With his $20 million contract for this season and an option for next, the former Milwaukee Buck was expected to be a major factor in Chicago’s success this season. Instead, the 6’8″ forward will begin the season coming off the bench after struggling during the preseason.

As the Chicago Bulls embark on a new season, here are three storylines to look for during their opening week of play.