Two of the Eastern Conference's best go toe to toe on Wednesday when the Nets visit the Bulls.
Fueled by the duo of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, the first-place Bulls will look to earn another statement win over the Nets, who have enjoyed an MVP-worthy campaign from Kevin Durant. The game is set to tip off at 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Yes, you read that correctly, 10:00 p.m ET.
What time does Bulls vs. Nets start?
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 12
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
What channel is Bulls vs. Nets on?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Watch ESPN | Sling TV
Why is a game between Eastern Conference opponents scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET?
Despite the fact that both the Bulls and Nets are in the Eastern Conference, this game will be the second half of ESPN's Wednesday night doubleheader, tipping off following the conclusion of a game between the Mavericks and Knicks.
Because Chicago is located in the Central Time Zone, the game will have a 9:00 p.m. local start. However rare, a 9:00 p.m. tip-off isn't completely uncommon for the nine NBA teams located in the Central Time Zone.
In fact, on Friday, Jan. 14, the Grizzlies will host the Mavericks on ESPN at 10:00 p.m. ET, which is a 9:00 p.m. local tip in Memphis. The first game of that doubleheader? A tilt between the Bulls and Warriors scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Essentially, teams in the Central Time Zone have local starts that range from 7:00 p.m. ET to 10:00 p.m. ET, something that becomes more prevalent during the NBA Playoffs. This flexibility allows for more variety in doubleheaders, as evidenced by the Bulls having such varied times for home games in the same week.
It's a minor inconvenience for Nets fans on the East Coast, as they'll have to stay up a bit later to catch all of the action.
The Sporting News will have you covered with updates from the Eastern Conference clash.
Bulls schedule 2021-22
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Jan. 12 | vs. Nets | 10:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 14 | vs. Warriors | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 15 | at Celtics | 8:30 p.m. | – |
| Jan. 17 | at Grizzlies | 3:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Jan. 19 | vs. Cavaliers | 8:00 p.m. | – |
Nets schedule 2021-22
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Jan. 12 | at Bulls | 10:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 13 | vs. Thunder | 8:30 p.m. | – |
| Jan. 15 | vs. Pelicans | 7:30 p.m | – |
| Jan. 17 | at Cavaliers | 3:00 p.m. | – |
| Jan. 19 | at Wizards | 7:00 p.m. | – |
