Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls open the 2026–27 NBA season with a 135–92 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Locked On Bulls breaks down the opener, the early lessons, and where Chicago can improve as the season gets underway.

We discuss Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and the Bulls’ young core, plus the offensive execution, defensive adjustments, and developing chemistry to watch moving forward.

It’s one game in an 82-game season, but there’s still plenty to learn. What can Chicago take from this matchup, and what adjustments would you like to see next game?

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Caleb Wilson had a couple positive moments but overall, it was a struggle for the Chicago Bulls in their loss to the Toronto Raptors. Matas Buzelis & Josh Giddey were non-factors, and the Bulls couldn't buy a bucket, start the season 0-1.

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The Chicago Bulls just made two important long-term decisions — and the next ones could shape the entire rebuild. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Chicago officially exercising the 2027-28 team options on Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue, locking both young forwards in for another season. Matas is now set to make $7.58 million in 2027-28 and becomes extension-eligible next summer, while Noa remains under team control as Chicago continues evaluating his development.    Pasted text

The bigger question is what comes next.

Matas averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks last season, and if he takes another major leap, the Bulls could soon be talking about a nine-figure extension.    Pasted text

So Haize and Pat debate:

If Matas averages around 21 points, six rebounds and two blocks this season, would you offer him five years and $150 million next summer?

The guys also discuss what a successful second season should look like for Noa Essengue, who is still only 19 and fighting for opportunities in a crowded young forward rotation.

Then the conversation shifts to Norman Powell and a much bigger front-office question: should the Bulls eventually use him as part of a package for an established star instead of simply flipping him for future picks?

Powell is coming off an All-Star season after averaging 21.7 points per game while shooting 38% from three, and his contract includes a team option for 2027-28.    Pasted text

That flexibility could make him valuable in a major trade.

Haize and Pat discuss whether Chicago should eventually follow the type of path Indiana took when it traded for Pascal Siakam — using draft capital and movable contracts to accelerate the timeline around a young core. Would a proven All-Star next to Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey push Chicago toward real contention, or would that be rushing the rebuild?

Plus, the guys react to the Eastern Conference already showing how brutal Chicago’s path could be.

Detroit opened the season with a win over Boston, while Philadelphia beat the defending champion Knicks. Chicago’s first nine games include seven matchups against Toronto, Boston, New York and Philadelphia, giving Tiago Splitter’s young roster an immediate test.    Pasted text    Pasted text

The question is not just whether the Bulls win or lose.

The Bulls have moved beyond simply collecting young talent. Now Bryson Graham has to decide when to pay, when to develop, and when to strike.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Matas and Noa contract decisions, debate Norman Powell’s value in a potential star trade, and ask whether Chicago is ready for one of the toughest opening stretches in the East.

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The Chicago Bulls are getting one big man back just as another remains sidelined. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Zach Collins being fully cleared for practice and potentially being available for the season opener. With Nic Claxton expected to miss another two weeks, Collins’ return could become much more important than anyone expected heading into the first week of the 2026-27 NBA season.

The guys break down what Collins can bring immediately, how Tiago Splitter should manage the center rotation, and whether Collins or Jalen Smith should get the first crack at replacing Claxton in the starting lineup.

Chicago built much of its defensive identity around Claxton’s rim protection, switching ability, and versatility. Without him, the Bulls may have to adjust how aggressively they defend the perimeter and how much responsibility they put on Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Isaac Okoro, and the rest of the young core.

Haize and Pat also discuss the bigger concern: how much should Bulls fans worry about Claxton being out another two weeks?

Hamstring injuries can be tricky, and the Bulls cannot afford to rush one of their most important offseason additions back before he is ready. But every game Claxton misses is also another game Chicago has to build chemistry without its expected defensive anchor.

Plus, the guys ask one of the most important questions heading into opening week:

Who has the biggest first week for the Bulls?

Is it Josh Giddey, who has to control the offense and set the tone? Is it Matas Buzelis, who needs to show his Year 3 leap is real? Is it rookie Caleb Wilson, who faces immediate expectations? Or is it Zach Collins, whose sudden importance may force him into a major role right away?

The Bulls finally get to move from preseason questions to real answers. Claxton’s absence creates an early test, Collins’ return could stabilize the frontcourt, and the first week will give fans their first real look at which players are ready to carry bigger responsibilities.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Zach Collins’ return, Nic Claxton’s extended absence, and which Bulls player has the most important first week of the season.

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Who are the BEST and WORST teams in the NBA heading into the 2026-27 season? With opening night just around the corner, Locked On NBA Daily reveals its official 30-team NBA Power Rankings, organized into S-through-F tiers! Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize unveil rankings voted on by hosts from all 30 Locked On NBA team podcasts, debating the biggest surprises, overrated contenders and underrated playoff hopefuls. The Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and defending champion New York Knicks headline the exclusive S Tier. But do Victor Wembanyama's Spurs belong alongside the NBA's elite? Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics are among the teams trying to break into that top group. And why are Giannis Antetokounmpo's Miami Heat only in the B Tier? Are the Golden State Warriors really a C-tier team? Have the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings hit rock bottom?

Plus, reactions from Locked On team hosts and predictions for which teams will rise or fall. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-nba Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More

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FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Chicago Bulls may not be done reshaping the roster, and Dalton Knecht is now a name to watch. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to reporting that the Los Angeles Lakers contacted Chicago about Dalton Knecht, with the Bulls mentioned alongside Milwaukee and Utah as teams the Lakers reached out to while trying to trim their roster. Knecht was the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but his value has fallen after an uneven start to his career.    Pasted text

The guys debate whether Bryson Graham should take another low-cost swing on a former first-round pick after already finding developmental value in players like Leonard Miller and Jordan Hawkins. Would Knecht’s movement shooting fit next to Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson? Or does Chicago already have too many players competing for similar perimeter minutes?

And if the Lakers may eventually release him, should the Bulls give up anything at all?

Haize and Pat also dive into the growing concern around Patrick Williams.

Williams averaged just 12.1 minutes, 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds during preseason, while shooting 28.6% from three. Those numbers are not disastrous in isolation, but they become much harder to ignore when Williams is earning $18 million this season and competing with Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Leonard Miller and Isaac Okoro for forward minutes.    Pasted text

The question is no longer simply whether Patrick Williams can become the player Chicago once hoped for.

Does he even belong in Tiago Splitter’s best rotation right now?

The guys discuss whether his salary should matter when setting the rotation, whether the Bulls need to rebuild his trade value, and if attaching an asset to move the contract would actually help the rebuild.

Plus, Haize and Pat break down one of the most encouraging developments from preseason: Tiago Splitter may already be finding the style that best fits this roster.

Chicago has emphasized offensive rebounding, aggressive switching, quick decisions and relentless rim pressure. In the preseason finale against Minnesota, the Bulls scored 133 points, 76 points in the paint, grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and threw down 15 dunks.    Pasted text

That raises a fascinating question: what if Chicago’s biggest advantage is not elite shooting or star power, but simply being more athletic, more aggressive and better at creating extra possessions than opponents?

With players like Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Leonard Miller, Jalen Smith and Tobe Awaka, Splitter may have the personnel to make offensive rebounding and rim pressure part of the Bulls’ identity.

The Bulls may not have a superstar-driven identity yet, but Tiago Splitter appears to be building one around pace, physicality, extra possessions and aggressive young players.

Now Bryson Graham has another decision to make: keep collecting upside plays like Dalton Knecht, or trust the roster already in place.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Dalton Knecht trade buzz, Patrick Williams’ uncertain role and whether Tiago Splitter has already found the formula that can make Chicago better than the sum of its parts.

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This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started.

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Did the Chicago Bulls quietly win the Ayo Dosunmu trade? And is national media seriously underrating Josh Giddey?

On today’s episode of **Locked On Bulls**, Haize and Pat The Designer revisit one of the most important moves of the Bryson Graham era: **Chicago’s trade of Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips to Minnesota**.

The Bulls received **Leonard Miller, Rob Dillingham and four second-round picks**, then later turned Dillingham into **Buddy Hield**. Meanwhile, Miller has emerged as one of Chicago’s most intriguing young players. Pasted text

Ayo remains a proven NBA contributor and signed a reported **five-year, $112 million extension** with Minnesota, but Chicago has now turned one outgoing player into several pieces of its rebuild. Pasted text

So Haize and Pat ask the real question: **if Minnesota offered Ayo back today for Leonard Miller, Buddy Hield and the remaining assets, would the Bulls even say yes?**

The guys also dive into **The Ringer’s criticism of Josh Giddey** after ranking him No. 83 in its latest NBA Top 100. The concern is not his raw production. Giddey averaged **17 points, 9.1 assists and 8.3 rebounds** last season. The concern is whether those numbers translate into winning impact.

The Ringer highlighted Giddey’s struggles finishing drives, his pull-up shooting efficiency and his turnover rate, while questioning whether he can become a true high-level offensive engine. Pasted text

That creates a great Bulls debate: **is Giddey a future All-Star, or a high-level complementary player who happens to put up All-Star-looking numbers?**

Haize and Pat break down whether Giddey makes **Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Leonard Miller and Norman Powell** better enough to outweigh his scoring limitations, and whether Chicago eventually needs to add a true top-30 NBA player to raise the ceiling of the rebuild.

Plus, the guys discuss **Jalen Smith’s growing value heading into a contract year**.

Smith scored **15 points, grabbed seven rebounds and hit three threes against Milwaukee**, continuing to show why his floor spacing gives Chicago something very different from Nic Claxton. Pasted text

That raises a difficult front-office question. If Smith continues shooting near 40% from three, should the Bulls commit long-term money to him? Or could his rising value make him one of Bryson Graham’s best trade assets before the deadline?

## Topics Include:
- Did the Bulls win the Ayo Dosunmu trade?
- Leonard Miller’s emergence
- Turning Rob Dillingham into Buddy Hield
- Would Chicago reverse the Ayo trade today?
- The Ringer ranking Josh Giddey No. 83
- Is Giddey’s production translating to winning?
- Giddey’s finishing and pull-up shooting concerns
- Future All-Star or elite complementary player?
- Jalen Smith’s contract-year breakout
- Jalen Smith vs Nic Claxton
- Should Chicago extend or trade Smith?
- Bulls roster-building under Bryson Graham

The Bulls are reaching the point where the rebuild is no longer just about collecting young talent. **Now Chicago has to decide which players truly raise the ceiling, which trades aged well, and which contracts are worth paying.**

🎙️ **Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat debate the Ayo Dosunmu trade, Josh Giddey’s national-media criticism and what the Bulls should do with Jalen Smith before his value gets even more expensive.**

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The Chicago Bulls’ preseason just created a fascinating new rotation debate: did undrafted rookie Jaylin Sellers already move ahead of first-round pick Dailyn Swain? 👀🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Sellers making his preseason debut and immediately receiving meaningful first-quarter minutes from Tiago Splitter. Sellers responded with 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting, two made threes and two steals in just under 15 minutes, while Swain played a little over 10 minutes and did not enter until much later in the game.    Pasted text
That raises a bigger question about the new Bulls regime: does draft position matter at all once the competition starts?
Chicago invested the No. 15 pick in Swain because of his size, versatility and long-term two-way upside. Sellers went undrafted. But if Sellers is already better equipped to shoot, move without the ball and contribute alongside established creators, should Splitter simply reward the player who helps the team more right now?
Haize and Pat also dive into Chicago’s explosive offensive performance against Milwaukee.
The Bulls scored 125 points, made 20 threes, recorded 35 assists and generated 41 points off Milwaukee turnovers. Josh Giddey finished with nine assists, Tre Jones added seven, and Matas Buzelis scored 19 points while knocking down five threes.    Pasted text
That sounds fantastic.
But Chicago also committed 21 turnovers.
So is Tiago Splitter building the fast, unselfish and entertaining offense Bulls fans have wanted for years, or is the pace creating a team that could eventually beat itself against better defenses?
The guys discuss whether 50 three-point attempts are sustainable, how much Chicago’s offense depends on forcing turnovers, and whether Matas Buzelis could become the player who makes the system work even when transition opportunities disappear.
Plus, Haize and Pat ask a question that would have sounded ridiculous a few years ago:
Are the Bulls actually in a better position than the Milwaukee Bucks?
Chicago beat Milwaukee by 21 in preseason, though the Bucks rested many of their key players. More importantly, Milwaukee is now navigating a post-Giannis era while Chicago is trying to build around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Leonard Miller, Dailyn Swain and Noa Essengue.    Pasted text
Who has the stronger young core? Who is better positioned to win now? And would finishing ahead of Milwaukee actually make this Bulls season a success?

The Bulls are beginning to reveal something important: competition may matter more than reputation under Tiago Splitter. Sellers is pushing for minutes, the offense is moving at a completely different pace, and Chicago may be closer to the middle of the Eastern Conference than many expected.
🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat debate Jaylin Sellers vs. Dailyn Swain, break down Tiago Splitter’s high-powered but risky offense, and ask whether Chicago has actually moved ahead of Milwaukee.

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The Chicago Bulls are one week away from opening night, and three major questions are starting to take shape around the future of this roster. 👀🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer start with the biggest long-term debate surrounding Chicago’s young core: who eventually becomes the Bulls’ No. 1 player, Caleb Wilson or Matas Buzelis?
Both forwards have the size, athleticism and two-way upside to become foundational pieces, but they may develop into very different types of stars.

Does Caleb Wilson’s explosiveness, physical tools and growing creation ability give him the higher ceiling? Or is Matas Buzelis’ combination of shooting, size, confidence and three years of NBA development more likely to make him Chicago’s primary option?
The guys debate what Tiago Splitter should prioritize when developing both players and whether the Bulls even need to choose one as the clear No. 1 yet.
Then the conversation turns to an immediate concern: Nic Claxton may not be ready for opening night.

Claxton remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and is expected to be reevaluated shortly before Chicago’s October 21 opener in Toronto. That leaves very little time to return to practice, rebuild conditioning and be fully prepared for regular-season basketball.
That matters because so much of Tiago Splitter’s defensive system was designed around Claxton’s ability to protect the rim, switch onto guards and cover for Chicago’s aggressive perimeter defense.

If Claxton cannot go, should Jalen Smith start at center? Does Zach Collins become the answer if healthy? Or should Chicago experiment with Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Leonard Miller in smaller frontcourt combinations?
Haize and Pat also ask whether the injury situation proves the Bulls should stop entertaining Jalen Smith trade conversations and keep as much center depth as possible.
Plus, the guys dive into one of Chicago’s most interesting developmental swings: Jordan Hawkins.

The former No. 14 overall pick made his Bulls preseason debut and immediately caught the attention of his former UConn coach Dan Hurley, who publicly celebrated Hawkins’ new opportunity with a simple message: “Free Hawk.”

Could Bryson Graham have found another undervalued young player?
Hawkins entered the NBA with a reputation as an elite movement shooter, but his first few seasons did not match lottery expectations. Now Chicago gets a chance to develop him on a two-way contract with almost no financial risk.

The guys debate whether Hawkins fits Tiago Splitter’s offense better than his previous situations, whether he can eventually push for real rotation minutes, and how his development could impact veterans like Buddy Hield and Norman Powell.

The Bulls have spent the offseason talking about development, versatility and depth. Now those ideas are being tested before the regular season even begins.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat debate Caleb Wilson vs. Matas Buzelis, break down growing concerns around Nic Claxton’s availability, and discuss whether Jordan Hawkins could become Bryson Graham’s latest low-risk development win.

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This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Chicago Bulls may have a bigger advantage than anyone expected heading into the 2026-27 NBA season: depth. 👀🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down whether the Bulls’ bench could become one of the strongest parts of Tiago Splitter’s roster after Chicago’s reserves outscored Denver’s bench 75-56.
Leonard Miller scored 26 points, Buddy Hield added 15, Tre Jones returned to the rotation, and players like Noa Essengue and Jordan Hawkins continued getting developmental minutes.
The question is no longer simply whether Miller deserves a bigger role.
It is whether Chicago can consistently win the minutes when opposing stars go to the bench.
A second unit built around combinations of Tre Jones, Buddy Hield, Isaac Okoro, Leonard Miller, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins, and several young players gives Splitter a lot of options. Jones provides organization. Hield provides shooting. Okoro brings perimeter defense. Miller adds athletic downhill scoring.
Could Chicago’s depth become the reason this team wins more games than projected?
Haize and Pat also tackle the biggest concern surrounding the Bulls offense: what happens when teams force Chicago into half-court basketball?
The Bulls have looked dangerous playing fast, creating turnovers and launching threes, but the offense still has a major question when transition opportunities disappear.
Who creates a quality shot with six seconds left on the shot clock?
Is it Norman Powell, the most proven scorer on the roster? Can Matas Buzelis develop into that type of late-clock creator? Does Josh Giddey need to become more aggressive? Or is Chicago developing Caleb Wilson specifically because it hopes he can eventually become that offensive hub?
That question may determine whether this group becomes a legitimate playoff core or simply an entertaining young team.
Plus, Haize and Pat discuss why Tre Jones may be one of the most underrated players on the entire roster.
Jones scored zero points in his preseason debut, but he produced five assists with zero turnovers in just 10 minutes. On a Bulls team that committed 21 turnovers, that type of control stood out.
Chicago has plenty of players capable of scoring. What it may need even more is someone who can organize the second unit, put teammates in the right spots and settle the game when the pace becomes chaotic.
Topics Include:
- Could the Bulls bench become a major strength?
- Leonard Miller’s breakout preseason
- Buddy Hield’s impact on the second unit
- Tre Jones returning to the rotation
- Bulls bench vs. Denver’s bench
- Could Chicago outperform low win projections because of depth?
- The Bulls’ biggest half-court offensive weakness
- Who is Chicago’s best late-clock shot creator?
- Norman Powell’s importance in close games
- Matas Buzelis’ development as a creator
- Caleb Wilson’s long-term offensive ceiling
- Tre Jones’ five assists and zero turnovers
- Could Tre Jones eventually close games?
- Tiago Splitter’s rotation options
The Bulls may not have a traditional superstar bench scorer, but they may not need one. If Chicago can consistently win second-unit minutes, play fast, defend aggressively and get steady organization from Tre Jones, the depth of this roster could become one of the biggest surprises of the season.
The bigger question is what happens when the game slows down.
🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat debate whether Chicago’s bench is actually its biggest advantage, whether the half-court offense could hold the team back, and why Tre Jones may be far more important than his scoring numbers suggest.

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM  to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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