How to watch today's Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons NBA game: Live stream, TV channel, and start time

The Detroit Pistons tip off their 2025-26 campaign against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, a matchup between two franchises that couldn’t be on more different trajectories heading into the new season.

For years, the Bulls have embodied the NBA’s version of purgatory, trapped somewhere between contention and collapse. They’re not strong enough to challenge the top contenders in the East, yet not weak enough to truly bottom out and rebuild through the draft. That uncomfortable middle ground has defined Chicago for nearly a decade. 

Over the past three seasons, they’ve hovered between ninth and eleventh in the conference, consistently missing out on both playoff relevance and lottery gold. In fact, in the last eight years, they’ve reached the postseason only once and drafted inside the top four just once, with Coby White being the best player they’ve managed to develop in that span.

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the court, the Pistons look like a team finally emerging from their long rebuild. After spending half a decade at the bottom of the standings, Detroit broke through last season with a sixth-place finish in the East, earning a direct playoff berth. 

They even managed to push the New York Knicks in a hard-fought six-game series, a far cry from their years as a league afterthought. Perhaps the most impressive part of their turnaround? They didn’t rely on flashy signings, it was all internal growth and player development driving the resurgence.

Below, GOAL brings you everything you need to watch the Bulls vs Pistons game today.

Bulls vs Pistons: Date & Tip-off Time

The Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons will face off in a highly anticipated NBA encounter on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:30 pm ET/ 4:00 pm PTat State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

How to watch the Bulls vs Pistons NBA match online - TV Channels & Live Streams

• Out-of-market option:NBA League Pass
• TV Channel: FDSN Detroit, CHSN
• Livestream:Fubo

The Bulls vs Pistons game will air on FDSSE and SportsNet in the local market. The game can also be streamed onFubo (in-market only).

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.

Bulls vs Pistons Team News & Key Performers

Chicago Bulls

And while optimism is always in short supply, this season doesn’t appear to be shaping up much differently. The Bulls have enough talent to stay competitive but not enough to break through. Nikola Vučević has been the subject of trade chatter for several seasons, yet he remains on the roster, though few would be surprised if he’s moved before the deadline. Interestingly, he’s also the lone player over 30 on the team. Young guard Josh Giddey showed steady growth last season, and the Bulls will be hoping he continues to evolve, particularly with his outside shot. Rookie Matas Buzelis flashed plenty of upside late last year but still looks like a long-term project.

Detroit Pistons

Leading the charge is Cade Cunningham, who took the leap from promising young guard to bona fide superstar last season, earning a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. He’s the engine that makes this team go, and expectations are sky-high for him to continue elevating his game. The return of Jaden Ivey — who missed most of last season due to injury — adds another dynamic scorer to Detroit’s backcourt.

Still, the Pistons’ path forward isn’t without obstacles. Malik Beasley’s off-court issues could become a distraction after a stellar season that nearly earned him Sixth Man of the Year honors. Additionally, contract uncertainty looms over both Ivey and Jalen Duren, as extension talks have reportedly stalled. If those situations linger, they could test the locker room’s chemistry and focus.

Bulls vs Pistons: Head-to-Head Records