RealGM Basketball Wiretap

27 March 2026

• Bulls Rule Out Jaden Ivey, Jalen Smith For Remainder Of Season

  The Chicago Bulls have announced that Jaden Ivey and Jalen Smith will miss the remainder of the season.

  Ivey, who was acquired by the Bulls from the Detroit Pistons at the trade deadline, has been managing left knee pain. Ivey fractured his right fibula at the start of 2025. Ivey appeared in four games with the Bulls, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 28.9 minutes. Ivey will be a restricted free agent in the offseason.

  Smith reaggravated his right calf in Wednesday's game. Smith appeared in 52 games with the Bulls, averaging 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 20.9 minutes.

• Billy Donovan Declines To Deny Interest In North Carolina Head Coaching Vacancy

  Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan did not dismiss interest in the vacant North Carolina head coaching position Wednesday, carefully redirecting toward his current responsibilities without closing the door on a potential return to college basketball. Donovan emerged as a candidate for the Tar Heels soon after Davis was fired amid his own uncertain future with the Bulls.

  Speaking before Chicago's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Donovan acknowledged the speculation while keeping his public comments focused on the Bulls.

  "My main focus is on these guys and this new team," Donovan said. "I understand that there's stuff out there, and I understand that there is going to be certain speculation. But I have to concentrate on this group, and really, my focus is on what we're doing here in Chicago and having a game tonight, and traveling to go and play in a back-to-back."

  The UNC position opened Tuesday when Hubert Davis was dismissed following the Tar Heels' first-round NCAA tournament exit.

  Donovan, 60, built one of college basketball's premier programs at Florida, winning consecutive national championships in 2006 and 2007 before departing for the NBA in 2015.

  He would inherit a program with significant resources. Five-star point guard Dylan Mingo, among the top players in the current high school recruiting class, has already committed to the Tar Heels.

  Donovan hinted at the evolving landscape of college basketball when pressed further.

  "Over the years, I've had a lot of college guys reach out to talk to me," Donovan said. "It's different in dealing with players who are being paid now. I also think the cycle of the NBA today is totally different than the cycle of college. Like anything else, things are always changing in the game of basketball."

• Billy Donovan On North Carolina's Wish List Amid Report Of Uncertain Future With Bulls

  Amid a report that Billy Donovan might not return to the Chicago Bulls as head coach next season, he has now been linked with the University of North Carolina's head coaching vacancy.

  "There has been growing speculation that Donovan might step away from the mess and take a season to reevaluate what he wants from the profession," writes Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

  The Bulls will miss the playoffs again this season and Donovan could take the blame for the season, according to Cowley.

  Arturas Karnisovas hired Donovan as head coach in 2020 after taking charge of the Bulls earlier that year. The Bulls have reached the playoffs in just one of Donovan's seasons coming in 2021-22 when they were eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks in five games.

  Donovan, who won two national championships as head coach of Florida, left the Gators in 2015 to become head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder in what was eventually Kevin Durant's final season with the franchise.

  "Billy Donovan is expected to be at or near the top of the list," writes Jeff Borzello at ESPN about North Carolina's plans to replace Hubert Davis.

• Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey Remain Out For Bulls

  The Chicago Bulls gave an update on the status of injured guards Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey. Both players are expected to remain out for between a week and 10 days.

  Simons has a fracture in his left wrist and will be out for at least 10 more days. The veteran guard was able to take shots at a recent Bulls shootaround, but was still feeling pain when catching the ball and dribbling with his left hand.

  Ivey has been dealing with left knee soreness. Chicago said Ivey is making progress, and will be re-evaluated in one week. The fourth-year guard and the Bulls are focused in rebuilding strength in Ivey's left knee.

  Chicago acquired Simons and Ivey in separate deals at the trade deadline. The two veteran guards have combined to play in just 10 games over the last month-plus for the Bulls.

• Memphis Grizzlies vs. Chicago Bulls: How to Watch, Live Stream & Game Preview

  The United Center is ready for a cross-conference clash tonight as the Chicago Bulls host the Memphis Grizzlies. Both teams are looking to find their footing in the final stretch of the 2026 season, with Chicago aiming to protect home court and Memphis seeking a critical road win.

  The Chicago Bulls (27-40) enter tonight's contest looking to snap a two-game slide and build on the development of their young core. Chicago has leaned heavily on the playmaking ofJosh Giddey, who is averaging nearly 9 assists per game, and the scoring of rookie standoutMatas Buzelis (15.8 PPG). The Bulls' interior remains anchored by veteran Nikola Vucevic, who continues to be a double-double threat on a nightly basis. The Memphis Grizzlies (23-43), meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a recent loss to Detroit and regain their defensive identity.

  Memphis has seen a recent scoring surge fromTy Jerome, who dropped 21 points in his last outing. With both teams showcasing high-upside talent and fighting for momentum, tonight's matchup in the Windy City promises to be a hard-fought battle of emerging stars.

  How to watch Bulls vs Grizzlies

  Tonight's inter-conference game will be broadcast on local regional sports networks in both the Chicago and Memphis markets, with a national stream available for out-of-market fans on NBA League Pass.

  National/Out-of-Market	NBA League Pass
  Bulls Local TV	CHSN
  Grizzlies Local TV	FDSSE
  Live Stream	Fubo, DirecTV
  Game Time	8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT

  How to watch Bulls vs Grizzlies for free

  To watch tonight's Bulls vs. Grizzlies game for free, local fans can utilize a 5-day free trial from streaming services like Fubo, which carries both the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSSE).

  Fubo: The premier choice for fans in the Midwest and South. Fubo provides access to CHSN and FDSSE, ensuring you catch every minute of the action during the free trial window.

  NBA League Pass: For fans living out-of-market, League Pass is the go-to way to follow Josh Giddey and Ty Jerome. New users can sign up for a free trial through the NBA app or Amazon Prime Video to stream the game live.

• Chicago Bulls Vs. Los Angeles Lakers: How to Watch, Live Stream & Game Preview

  The spotlights of Crypto.com Arena are set for a Thursday night spectacle as Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers look to extend their winning streak against a Chicago Bulls squad entering a new era after a transformative trade deadline.

  The Los Angeles Lakers (40-25) enter tonight as heavy favorites, riding a three-game winning streak and sitting firmly in the Western Conference playoff hunt. The Lakers' offense has reached new heights behindLuka Doncic, who is leading the league with 32.5 points per game while dishing out 8.5 assists. DespiteLeBron James being listed as questionable with an elbow contusion, Los Angeles remains dangerous with Austin Reaves (23.7 PPG) and the interior presence of Deandre Ayton.

  The Chicago Bulls (27-38), meanwhile, are navigating a youth movement after blowing up their roster at the deadline. Chicago has handed the keys to rookie standoutMatas Buzelis (15.8 PPG) and playmaking guardJosh Giddey, who is averaging nearly 9 assists per contest. With the Lakers eyeing a top-four seed and the Bulls' young core eager to make a statement in Hollywood, tonight's matchup offers a glimpse into the NBA's evolving hierarchy.

  How to watch Lakers vs Bulls

  Tonight's cross-conference matchup will be broadcast on local regional sports networks in both the Los Angeles and Chicago markets, with a national stream available for out-of-market fans on NBA League Pass.

  National/Out-of-Market	NBA League Pass
  Lakers Local TV	Spectrum SportsNet
  Bulls Local TV	CHSN+
  Live Stream	Fubo, DirecTV

  How to watch Lakers vs Bulls for free

  To watch tonight's Lakers vs. Bulls game for free, local fans can utilize a 5-day free trial from streaming services like Fubo, which carries both Spectrum SportsNet for LA viewers and CHSN+ for those in the Chicago region.

  Fubo: The premier choice for local fans. Fubo provides access to Spectrum SportsNet and CHSN+, ensuring you don't miss any of tonight's action during the free trial window.

  NBA League Pass: For fans living out-of-market, League Pass is the best way to watch Luka Doncic and LeBron James. New users can sign up for a free trial through Amazon Prime Video or the NBA app to stream the game live on any device.

• Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls: How to Watch, Live Stream & Game Preview

  The high-tech confines of the Chase Center are ready for a Tuesday night spectacle as Coby White and the Chicago Bulls travel to San Francisco to take on a Golden State Warriors squad looking to climb back above .500.

  The Golden State Warriors (32-32) enter tonight's matchup aiming to snap a two-game skid and maintain their position in the competitive Western Conference Play-In race. Led by the legendaryStephen Curry, who is pouring in 27.2 points per game this season, Golden State remains one of the most dangerous perimeter teams in the league. They are supported by the versatile playmaking of Draymond Green and the emergence of Brandin Podziemski, whileJonathan Kuminga provides an athletic spark with a team-high 5.9 rebounds per contest.

  The Chicago Bulls (26-38), meanwhile, arrive in the Bay Area looking to play spoiler. Despite a challenging season, Chicago has stayed competitive behind the scoring ofCoby White (18.6 PPG) and the double-double reliability ofNikola Vučević, who dominates the boards with 9.0 rebounds per game. With the Warriors fighting for postseason seeding and the Bulls looking for a signature road win, tonight's cross-conference clash is set to be a high-scoring affair.

  How to watch Warriors vs Bulls

  Tonight's inter-conference game will be broadcast on local regional sports networks in both the San Francisco and Chicago markets, with a national stream available for out-of-market fans on NBA League Pass.

  National/Out-of-Market	NBA League Pass
  Warriors Local TV	NBC Sports Bay Area
  Bulls Local TV	Chicago Sports Network
  Live Stream	Fubo, DirecTV, Peacock (Add-on)

  How to watch Warriors vs Bulls for free

  To watch tonight's Warriors vs. Bulls game for free, fans can take advantage of a free trial from streaming services like Fubo or DirecTV Stream, which provide access to local regional sports networks including NBC Sports Bay Area and Chicago Sports Network.

  Fubo: A top-tier choice for fans in Northern California and Illinois. Fubo carries NBC Sports Bay Area and Chicago Sports Network, making it easy to watch tonight's game live without a cable subscription.

  NBA League Pass: For fans outside of the Bay Area or Chicago, League Pass remains the go-to service. New users can sign up for a free trial through Amazon Prime Video to watch Steph Curry and the Warriors in high definition.

• How to Watch Phoenix Suns Vs. Chicago Bulls: TV Channels, Live Streams, And 2026 NBA Season Preview

  The upcoming game between the Phoenix Suns and the Chicago Bulls, scheduled for March 5, 2026, serves as a critical matchup for both franchises as the regular season enters its final quarter.

  The Phoenix Suns currently occupy the seventh seed in the Western Conference with a record of 35-26, positioned just two games behind the sixth spot necessary to bypass the postseason play-in tournament. Under the leadership of head coach Jordan Ott, the Suns have cultivated a defensive-first identity that ranks sixth in the league, allowing just 111.2 points per contest. However, the team has faced significant offensive hurdles, ranking 26th in points per game (112.1) and struggling with the absence of key rotation pieces like Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin. Entering this matchup on a two-game winning streak following a victory over the Sacramento Kings, the Suns are focused on establishing late-season chemistry and securing home-court advantages for the impending playoffs.

  Conversely, the Chicago Bulls arrive in Phoenix amidst a period of profound transition and athletic adversity. With a 25-37 record, the Bulls sit at 12th in the Eastern Conference, essentially falling out of the playoff race after losing 12 of their last 13 games. The Bulls' season has been characterized by a high-octane perimeter offense that ranks fourth in the NBA for three-pointers made (14.7 per game) but is undermined by a defensive unit that yields 120.0 points per outing, ranking 26th in the league. The team is currently navigating a severe injury crisis, with eight players listed on the report, including rising star Matas Buzelis and primary playmaker Josh Giddey, both of whom are questionable with ankle sprains. As the franchise looks toward the 2026 draft lottery, this matchup provides an essential developmental platform for their younger core to compete against an elite Western Conference defense.

  Competition	NBA Regular Season Basketball
  Teams	Chicago Bulls (Away) vs. Phoenix Suns (Home)
  Date & Time	Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET
  Where	Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ

  How to watch Phoenix Suns Vs. Chicago Bulls online - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  To watch the Phoenix Suns host the Chicago Bulls on March 5, 2026, fans have a variety of regional and streaming options tailored to their geographic location and preferred viewing platform. In the Phoenix local market, the broadcast is spearheaded by the team's over-the-air partners, Arizona's Family (3TV and CBS 5), with the majority of games also carried by the independent affiliate KPHE, known locally as "Arizona's Family Sports".

  Viewers within the Phoenix territory who have transitioned away from traditional cable can utilize the Suns+ direct-to-subscriber streaming service, which provides comprehensive coverage for a monthly fee. For those in the Chicago region, the primary television home for the Bulls is the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN), which provides both linear cable coverage and digital streaming through the CHSN app.

  How to watch Phoenix Suns Vs. Chicago Bulls internationally

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between Phoenix Suns Vs. Chicago Bulls should be available to livestream with an NBA League Pass.

  Please be aware that livestream rights vary by country and depend on local broadcast deals. NBA games that aren't shown live on NBA League Pass are usually later made available on-demand.

  Stream internationally on League Pass

  Stream now

  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 ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

• Mac McClung Named G League Player Of February

  Mac McClung has been named the G League Player of the Month for February.

  McClung averaged 33.0 points, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals in February for the Windy City Bulls. McClung signed a Two-Way contract with the Bulls in February.

  McClung has appeared in one game with the Bulls, scoring four points in just over 13 minutes.

• How To Watch Portland Portland Trail Blazers vs. Chicago Bulls NBA Game: Tip-Off Time, Cable Channels, Livestream Providers

  The February 26 matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Chicago Bulls at the United Center is a pivotal contest for two franchises navigating late-season transitions.

  Portland enters the game with a 28-31 record, sitting 9th in the Western Conference and fighting to maintain its position in the Play-In race. Meanwhile, the Bulls (24-35) are mired in a ten-game losing streak, their longest skid in over seven years, and are looking to find a spark as they fall toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

  The Portland Trail Blazers are currently weathering a severe injury crisis, missing their two leading scorers, Deni Avdija (back) and Shaedon Sharpe (calf). This depletion has forced veterans Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday to take on heavy offensive loads, with Holiday recently contributing 22 points in a narrow loss to Minnesota. Despite these absences, the Blazers remain an elite rebounding force, ranking 8th in the league and utilizing rookie center Donovan Clingan to anchor the interior.

  The Chicago Bulls are firmly in the midst of a roster overhaul, having moved eight players since the season's start to prioritize the development of their young core. Rookie Matas Buzelis has emerged as a significant bright spot, scoring a career-high 32 points in his most recent outing on February 24. However, the Bulls' defense remains a liability, allowing an average of 120.4 points per game, and the team is struggling to protect the ball, recording 21 turnovers in their last blowout loss.

  Competition	NBA Regular Season
  Teams	Portland Trail Blazers (Away) vs. Chicago Bulls (Home)
  Date & Time	Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET
  Where	United Center (Chicago, IL)

  How to watch Portland Portland Trail Blazers vs. Chicago Bulls - national and local U.S. TV channels & live streams

  Fans in the Portland market can watch the game locally on KUNP, which serves as the team's independent broadcast home, or stream it via the "BlazerVision" service. Chicago viewers can tune in through the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN+), available via the standalone CHSN app for $20 a month or through cable providers like Xfinity and DIRECTV. For cord-cutters, Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM provide access to both local and national broadcasts, while out-of-market fans in the United States can stream the contest live on NBA League Pass.

  How to watch Portland Trail Blazers vs. Chicago Bulls Internationally and Out-of-Market

  If you are outside of the USA, the NBA game between Portland Trail Blazers vs. Chicago Bulls should be available to livestream with an NBA League Pass.

  Please be aware that livestream rights vary by country and depend on local broadcast deals. NBA games that aren't shown live on NBA League Pass are usually later made available on-demand.

  Stream internationally on League Pass

  Stream now

  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 ExpressVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.