The Bulls and Cavaliers look to get the 2025 NBA season off on the right foot with a preseason match in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers went an impressive 64-18 in 2024 and finished first in the Eastern Conference, while the Bulls went 39-43 and finished ninth. Cleveland made it to the conference semifinals before losing to the Pacers, while Chicago lost in the Play-In game to the Heat.
Not much has changed between these two squads heading into the 2025 season. Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are still the key stars for the Cavaliers, while Josh Giddey, Nikola Vučević and Matas Buzelis will lead the Bulls.
Coincidentally, the two sides swapped guard Lonzo Ball, whom the Bulls traded to the Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro in July.
It's unclear how much these starters will play in the preseason or at all, but it'll be the first glimpse of the play styles for Cleveland's reigning NBA Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson and Chicago's Billy Donovan.
Here's what you need to know about the preseason matchup between the Bulls and the Cavs, including broadcast information and start time.
Where to watch Bulls vs. Cavs today: Channel, live stream
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: Peacock
The Bulls vs. Cavs preseason game will not air on traditional television. Fans can stream the game on Peacock.
Bulls vs. Cavs start time
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 7
- Time: 7 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. CT
Bulls vs. Cavs will tip off at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 7. The game will be played at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
Bulls preseason schedule 2025
Here is the 2025 preseason schedule for Chicago.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 7 | at Cavaliers | 7 p.m. | Peacock |
| Oct. 9 | vs. Cavaliers | 8 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 12 | vs. Bucks | 7 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 14 | at Nuggets | 9 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 16 | vs. Timberwolves | 8 p.m. | — |
Cavaliers preseason schedule 2025
Here is the 2025 preseason schedule for Cleveland.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 7 | vs. Bulls | 7 p.m. | Peacock |
| Oct. 9 | at Bulls | 8 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 12 | at Celtics | 7 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 14 | vs. Pistons | 7 p.m. | — |