Roundup
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
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Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks
Bulls routed as frontcourt thins – Central Division roundup
The Bulls opened their season with a blowout loss in Toronto and without Nic Claxton, while Donovan Mitchell reaffirmed his commitment to the Cavaliers.
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Only one Central Division team took the floor on Wednesday, and it was a rough night for the Chicago Bulls. They opened their season with a 135-92 loss to the Toronto Raptors, adding an early blowout to an already complicated frontcourt situation.
Bulls: heavy loss and a depleted frontcourt
Chicago starts the year 0-1 after the 43-point defeat in Toronto. As Hoops Rumors notes, the Bulls are opening the regular season without starting center Nic Claxton. The silver lining is the return of Zach Collins, who had missed the preseason with a quad injury. Still, Hoops Rumors reports that Collins will be kept on a minutes restriction for now, in the range of about 12 to 16 minutes per game, leaving the Bulls’ front line in patchwork mode for the early schedule.
Cavaliers: Mitchell doubles down on his commitment
The Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0) were idle, but their franchise guard dominated the headlines. According to Hoops Rumors, Donovan Mitchell has already signed two contract extensions since being traded to Cleveland in 2022, and he told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com that he doesn’t ever want to wear another uniform. It’s a strong public statement of long-term commitment as the 2026-27 season approaches.
Bucks: name pops up in Porzingis trade talks
The Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) also had the night off, but their front office was part of the rumor mill. Hoops Rumors, citing Sam Amick and Nick Friedell of The Athletic, reports that the Golden State Warriors are exploring the trade market for a deal involving Kristaps Porzingis and have contacted the Bucks among other teams. There are no additional details yet on what Milwaukee might be offering or targeting in such discussions.
Pacers and Pistons quiet but unbeaten
The Detroit Pistons (1-0) and Indiana Pacers (1-0) stayed off the court and out of the news cycle over the last 24 hours, but they remain the Central’s only unbeaten teams after the opening slate of games. With Chicago dealing with frontcourt absences, Milwaukee surfacing in trade chatter and Mitchell sounding locked in for Cleveland, Detroit and Indiana watched the early Central Division storylines unfold from a distance.