Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls may have a real shooting problem heading into the 2026-27 NBA season — but can a great defense cover it up? 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down how good the Bulls’ defense needs to be if Chicago is going to overcome its lack of consistent three-point shooting. With a roster built around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Tre Jones, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins, and Rob Dillingham, the Bulls have talent — but spacing remains one of the biggest concerns.

The guys discuss why Chicago may not just need a good defense, but a top-10 defense to have a real chance at being competitive. If the Bulls are going to struggle with shooting, Tiago Splitter’s team must defend, rebound, force turnovers, run in transition, and create easy offense from stops.

Haize and Pat also look at how Nic Claxton can anchor the defense, how Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson can create chaos with their length and athleticism, and whether Isaac Okoro and Patrick Williams can become reliable defensive weapons in Splitter’s system.

But the bigger question remains: can defense carry a team far enough in today’s NBA if the shooting is below average?

Topics Include:

How good does the Bulls defense need to be?

Can Chicago overcome a lack of three-point shooting?

Why a top-10 defense may be the minimum expectation

Nic Claxton’s role as the defensive anchor

Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson as defensive playmakers

Can Isaac Okoro become Tiago Splitter’s stopper?

How defense can create easier offense for Josh Giddey

Bulls transition offense and points off turnovers

Can Chicago win ugly in the modern NBA?

Tiago Splitter’s biggest year-one challenge

The Bulls do not have to become an elite shooting team overnight, but if they are going to beat expectations, their defense has to become their identity. A top-10 defense gives Chicago a path. A top-5 defense gives the Bulls a chance to shock people. Anything less could make the shooting concerns impossible to ignore.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down whether the Bulls’ defense can save their shooting problem and what Tiago Splitter must build in year one.

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

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The Chicago Bulls are adding another voice to Tiago Splitter’s staff, and this move could matter a lot for the future of the young core. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to the Bulls hiring Jordan Brink and what his role could mean for player development in Chicago. With young pieces like Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Rob Dillingham, Jaylin Sellers, and Patrick Williams, the Bulls need more than just talent — they need a real development plan.

The guys discuss how Brink could help build structure, accountability, and growth habits around a roster that is still trying to turn upside into reliable NBA production. Can this coaching staff finally help Chicago develop players at a higher level than fans have seen in recent years?

Haize and Pat also revisit the three most criticized moves of Bryson Graham’s first offseason running the Bulls. Was it the lack of a bigger swing trade? Not adding enough shooting? The handling of second-round picks? The Zach Collins deal? Or the decision to stay patient instead of pushing harder to reshape the roster immediately?

Plus, the guys react to the Bulls being ranked as the 6th most profitable NBA franchise last season and what that says about expectations for ownership, spending, and roster-building. If Chicago remains one of the league’s strongest business machines, should fans expect a more aggressive basketball operation?

Topics Include:

Bulls hire Jordan Brink

What Brink can bring to player development

How the Bulls can help Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and Matas Buzelis

Tiago Splitter’s coaching staff taking shape

The three most criticized Bryson Graham offseason moves

Did the Bulls do enough to fix shooting and depth?

Was Chicago too patient this offseason?

Bulls ranked 6th most profitable NBA franchise

What profitability should mean for expectations

Are the Bulls building like a big-market franchise?

The Bulls are trying to build a new era around development, patience, and long-term upside. But when the franchise is this profitable, fans have every right to ask whether Chicago should be moving with more urgency.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Jordan Brink hire, the most criticized moves of Bryson Graham’s offseason, and what the Bulls’ profitability says about the franchise’s future.

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

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The Chicago Bulls’ starting five is set to be one of the most important storylines of the 2026-27 NBA season — but what does each starter actually need to bring for this team to take a step forward? 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down expectations for every projected Bulls starter: Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Nic Claxton. Each player has a different job, and each one could define how competitive Chicago becomes under Tiago Splitter.

Can Josh Giddey control the offense, improve as a shooter, and prove he is a long-term core piece? Can Norman Powell give the Bulls the veteran scoring and floor spacing they desperately need? Is Matas Buzelis ready to take another leap as a two-way forward? What should Bulls fans realistically expect from Caleb Wilson as a rookie? And can Nic Claxton become the defensive anchor who changes Chicago’s identity?

Haize and Pat also debate the most impactful Chicago Bulls player since the Jimmy Butler era. Has anyone truly changed the direction of the franchise since Jimmy left? Is the answer Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey — or someone else entirely?

Plus, the guys discuss how teams should manage and protect first-round picks in the modern NBA. With the new CBA making roster-building harder and draft capital more valuable, should the Bulls be more careful with future picks? When should a team protect picks, trade picks, or hold them for a major opportunity?

Topics Include:

Expectations for every Bulls starter in 2026-27

What Josh Giddey must bring as lead playmaker

Norman Powell’s role as veteran scorer and shooter

Matas Buzelis’ next step as a two-way forward

Caleb Wilson’s rookie-year responsibilities

Nic Claxton’s impact as Chicago’s defensive anchor

Most impactful Bull since Jimmy Butler

How the Bulls should value first-round picks

Modern NBA roster-building and draft protection

Tiago Splitter’s challenge with a rebuilt starting five

The Bulls have talent, but now every starter has to bring something specific to the table. If the starting five clicks, Chicago could be more competitive than expected. If it does not, the conversation shifts back to patience, development, and how Bryson Graham manages the future.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down what each Bulls starter must bring this season, who has been the most impactful Bull since Jimmy Butler, and how Chicago should handle first-round picks in the modern NBA.

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

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The Chicago Bulls rumor mill is heating back up, and Bennedict Mathurin is once again at the center of the conversation. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Brett Siegel reporting that a possible sign-and-trade framework involving Bennedict Mathurin, Isaac Okoro, and second-round picks could be on the table. Would Mathurin be the kind of upside swing Bryson Graham should still be looking for? Or would moving Okoro and draft capital be too aggressive for a Bulls team still trying to evaluate its rebuilt roster?

The guys break down what Bennedict Mathurin could bring to Chicago, including scoring upside, athleticism, shot creation, rim pressure, and another young wing who fits the Bulls’ timeline with Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, and Noa Essengue. But they also discuss the concerns: defensive fit, offensive overlap, contract value, and whether Chicago should be careful about giving up assets before seeing this roster under Tiago Splitter.

Haize and Pat also react to The Athletic ranking the Bulls’ offseason 13th in the NBA. Is that a sign the national media is starting to respect what Bryson Graham has built? Or should Chicago’s offseason still be viewed with caution because of the remaining questions around shooting, depth, and star-level upside?

Plus, the guys discuss Nic Claxton arriving in Chicago ahead of training camp and why his presence matters. Claxton could be the defensive anchor this team has needed, giving the Bulls rim protection, switchability, rebounding, and a real identity in the frontcourt.

Topics Include:

Brett Siegel’s Bennedict Mathurin sign-and-trade report

Isaac Okoro and second-round picks as a possible framework

Should the Bulls pursue Mathurin?

What Mathurin would bring to Chicago’s young core

The Athletic ranking the Bulls offseason 13th

Did Bryson Graham have an underrated first offseason?

Nic Claxton arriving in Chicago before training camp

Claxton’s defensive impact on the Bulls

How Tiago Splitter can shape the new-look roster

Bulls trade rumors and offseason outlook

The Bulls have already made major changes, but the Mathurin rumor shows Chicago may not be completely done looking for upside. With Claxton in town, training camp approaching, and national outlets starting to recognize the Bulls’ offseason, the question now is simple: should Bryson Graham make one more big swing?

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Bennedict Mathurin sign-and-trade buzz, The Athletic’s offseason ranking, and what Nic Claxton’s arrival means for the Bulls ahead of training camp.

#ChicagoBulls #BullsNation #LockedOnBulls #BennedictMathurin #IsaacOkoro #NicClaxton #BrysonGraham #TiagoSplitter #JoshGiddey #MatasBuzelis #CalebWilson #NBA #NBARumors #SeeRed

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Are the Chicago Bulls really a bottom three team in the NBA, or is the national conversation already underrating what this new-look roster can become? 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down whether the Bulls deserve to be viewed near the bottom of the league after an offseason that added Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, and Zach Collins while keeping Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, Rob Dillingham, and others in the mix.

The guys discuss why some analysts may see Chicago as one of the NBA’s weakest teams, but also why the Bulls may have enough young talent, defensive upside, transition play, and veteran scoring to outperform those low expectations. Is this team still flawed? Absolutely. But is it clearly bottom three? That debate is wide open.

Haize and Pat also dive into Josh Giddey’s Most Improved Player case heading into the 2026-27 season. If Giddey takes another step as a scorer, shooter, lead playmaker, and offensive organizer under Tiago Splitter, could he become a serious MIP candidate? The Bulls’ ceiling may depend heavily on whether Giddey proves the front office was right to view him as part of the core.

Plus, the guys react to the idea that no more major moves are coming for the Bulls before the season. Is Bryson Graham being smart by staying patient and evaluating the roster first? Or should Bulls fans be frustrated that Chicago still has clear needs, especially when it comes to shooting, wing depth, and lineup balance?

Topics Include:

Are the Bulls a bottom three team in the NBA?

Why national expectations are so low for Chicago

Can the Bulls outperform their projections?

Josh Giddey’s 2026-27 Most Improved Player case

What Giddey must improve to enter the MIP conversation

How Tiago Splitter can unlock Giddey’s game

No more major Bulls moves expected

Did Bryson Graham do enough this offseason?

Bulls roster strengths and biggest concerns

Chicago’s path to being better than people think

The Bulls may not be viewed as a serious threat nationally, but this season could be about proving the league wrong. If Josh Giddey levels up, Matas Buzelis takes another step, Caleb Wilson contributes early, and the defense improves with Nic Claxton anchoring the middle, Chicago may be more competitive than the bottom-three label suggests.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down whether the Bulls are truly one of the NBA’s worst teams, Josh Giddey’s Most Improved Player chances, and what it means if no more moves are coming before the season.

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The Chicago Bulls rumor mill is heating up again, and this time the focus is on Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, and the truth behind the Bennedict Mathurin buzz. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down whether Isaac Okoro can become Tiago Splitter’s defensive weapon during the 2026-27 NBA season. Okoro may not be the flashiest player on the roster, but his physicality, point-of-attack defense, toughness, and ability to guard multiple perimeter positions could make him one of the most important role players in Chicago’s rotation.

The guys discuss how Okoro fits next to Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell, Nic Claxton, Patrick Williams, and the rest of the Bulls’ young core. Can Tiago use Okoro as a matchup piece against elite guards and wings? Or will the Bulls’ lack of shooting make it hard to keep him on the floor in key lineups?

Haize and Pat also dive into the latest trade buzz around Jalen Smith, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers reportedly interested. Should the Bulls consider moving Smith if the right offer comes along? Or does his size, rebounding, floor-spacing potential, and frontcourt depth make him too valuable to trade before the season starts?

Plus, the guys react to reports that the Bulls’ interest in Bennedict Mathurin may have been overstated. Was this a real pursuit, or just offseason smoke? And if Chicago is not seriously chasing Mathurin, what does that say about Bryson Graham’s approach to roster building?

Topics Include:

Can Isaac Okoro be Tiago Splitter’s defensive weapon?

How Okoro fits in the Bulls’ rotation

Bulls’ need for perimeter defense and toughness

Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers interest in Jalen Smith

Should Chicago trade Jalen Smith?

What Jalen Smith brings to the Bulls’ frontcourt

Bennedict Mathurin rumors reportedly overstated

Bulls trade rumor reality check

Bryson Graham’s roster-building approach

Chicago Bulls 2026-27 rotation questions

The Bulls still have roster questions to answer before the season, and every role matters. If Okoro can become a trusted defensive piece, Jalen Smith draws real trade value, and the Mathurin rumors fade, Chicago’s next move may say a lot about how Bryson Graham views this team.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Isaac Okoro’s defensive upside, the Jalen Smith trade interest from the Lakers and Wolves, and the latest update on Bennedict Mathurin’s connection to Chicago.

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Could the Chicago Bulls become an NBA playoff team sooner than anyone expects? The Bulls’ young core continues to develop, the Eastern Conference remains wide open, and Chicago may be closer to competing than its rebuilding timeline suggests.

On today’s Locked On Bulls, we examine what needs to happen for Chicago to make a legitimate playoff push, which young players could accelerate the rebuild, and whether the Bulls have enough talent to surprise the NBA this season. Is playoff basketball returning to Chicago sooner than we think?

Subscribe for daily Chicago Bulls news, analysis, trade rumors, player breakdowns, and more on Locked On Bulls.

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Rob Dillingham may be one of the most interesting rotation questions on the Chicago Bulls roster — and Bulls fans might be counting him out too early. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down whether Rob Dillingham has earned a real spot in the Bulls rotation heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. With Chicago trying to balance development, structure, scoring, and defense under Tiago Splitter, Dillingham’s role could be one of the most important bench storylines to watch.

The guys discuss what Dillingham brings as a change-of-pace guard, including shot creation, downhill pressure, ball-handling, and offensive juice. But they also ask the bigger question: can he defend well enough, make consistent decisions, and earn enough trust to stay on the floor when the games matter?

Haize and Pat also look at how good the Bulls bench can actually be this season. With names like Tre Jones, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins, Leonard Miller, Patrick Williams, and Rob Dillingham all potentially fighting for roles, Chicago has more options than in past years. But does that mean the Bulls have real depth — or just a lot of players still trying to prove they belong in consistent NBA minutes?

Plus, the guys dive into whether Jaylin Sellers has earned the Bulls’ final roster spot. Sellers has flashed enough scoring ability, confidence, and toughness to make the conversation interesting, but is he the best use of the 15th spot? Or should Bryson Graham keep that roster spot open for a veteran shooter, wing depth, or future flexibility?

Topics Include:

Has Rob Dillingham earned a Bulls rotation spot?

Are Bulls fans counting Dillingham out too much?

What Dillingham brings to Chicago’s bench

How Tiago Splitter could use Dillingham offensively

Bulls bench rotation expectations

Can Chicago’s second unit become a strength?

Jaylin Sellers’ case for the final roster spot

Should the Bulls prioritize upside or veteran help?

Final roster spot debate

Bulls 2026-27 rotation questions

The Bulls’ starting lineup will get plenty of attention, but the bench could decide how competitive this team really becomes. If Dillingham earns trust, Sellers forces the front office’s hand, and the second unit finds a real identity, Chicago may have more depth than people realize.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Rob Dillingham’s rotation case, the ceiling of the Bulls bench, and whether Jaylin Sellers has earned the final roster spot.

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The Chicago Bulls may not be done looking for upside, and a new report from Mark Stein connects Chicago to a possible pursuit of Bennedict Mathurin. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down the latest Bulls rumor surrounding Bennedict Mathurin and whether he makes sense as a target for Bryson Graham’s front office. Mathurin would bring scoring upside, athleticism, rim pressure, and wing creation to a Bulls roster still trying to find the right balance around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, and Dailyn Swain.

The guys discuss what a Mathurin pursuit could say about Chicago’s roster-building priorities. Are the Bulls still searching for another young scorer? Would adding Mathurin create too much overlap on the wing? And could this kind of move put even more pressure on Patrick Williams heading into the 2026-27 season?

Haize and Pat also react to the Bulls releasing their 2026 preseason schedule and what fans should watch once the new-look roster finally gets on the floor. Preseason may not count in the standings, but it will give Bulls fans their first look at Tiago Splitter’s rotations, Caleb Wilson’s role, Norman Powell’s fit, and how the young players respond in a more structured NBA setting.

Plus, the guys dive into Patrick Williams’ 2026-27 season expectations. Is this the year P-Will finally rewards the believers? Or is time running out for him to prove he belongs in the Bulls’ long-term plans? With more young talent arriving and the wing rotation getting more competitive, Williams has to show growth, consistency, defensive impact, and a clearer offensive identity.

Topics Include:

Bulls could pursue Bennedict Mathurin

What Mathurin would bring to Chicago

Would Mathurin fit the Bulls’ current roster?

Bulls release 2026 preseason schedule

First look at Tiago Splitter’s new rotation

Patrick Williams’ 2026-27 expectations

Is this P-Will’s make-or-break season?

Bulls wing depth and roster competition

Bryson Graham’s next possible upside swing

Chicago’s roster outlook before training camp

The Bulls have already reshaped the roster, but the Mathurin rumor shows Chicago may still be watching for a bigger upside opportunity. And with preseason on the way, Patrick Williams and the rest of the roster are getting closer to proving where they truly fit.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Bennedict Mathurin rumors, the Bulls’ 2026 preseason schedule, and Patrick Williams’ expectations entering a critical season.

#ChicagoBulls #BullsNation #LockedOnBulls #BennedictMathurin #PatrickWilliams #BrysonGraham #JoshGiddey #MatasBuzelis #CalebWilson #NormanPowell #TiagoSplitter #NBA #SeeRed #ChicagoSports 🐂🔥🏀

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

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The Chicago Bulls still have major rotation questions heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, and today’s episode looks at three names who could shape the bench conversation in very different ways. 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down Tre Jones’ 2026-27 expectations and what his role should look like in Tiago Splitter’s first season as head coach. Can Jones be the steady backup guard this roster needs? With a young core featuring Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and Nic Claxton, the Bulls need reliable decision-making, ball security, and structure off the bench.

The guys also dive into Jalen Smith’s expectations for the season. Smith brings size, shooting potential, rebounding, and frontcourt depth, but where does he fit with Nic Claxton, Zach Collins, Caleb Wilson, and the rest of the Bulls’ big-man rotation? Is there a clear role for him, or will minutes be harder to find than expected?

Plus, Haize and Pat discuss whether the Bulls should monitor Peyton Watson if the Denver Nuggets’ second-apron situation makes him available. Watson’s athleticism, defensive upside, wing size, and developmental profile could make him an intriguing upside swing for a Bulls team still searching for long-term answers on the wing.

Topics Include:

Tre Jones’ 2026-27 expectations

Can Tre Jones stabilize the Bulls’ second unit?

Jalen Smith’s role in Tiago Splitter’s rotation

Is Jalen Smith a sneaky important bench piece?

Bulls frontcourt depth questions

Peyton Watson availability watch

Could the Nuggets’ second-apron situation create an opportunity?

Should the Bulls take another upside swing?

How Peyton Watson would fit Chicago’s timeline

Bulls bench rotation preview

The Bulls have added talent, but the margins still matter. If Tre Jones gives Chicago steady guard play, Jalen Smith finds a defined role, and Peyton Watson becomes a real option, Bryson Graham may still have ways to improve the roster before the season begins.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Matas Buzelis’ comments on Billy Donovan, his work with Dirk Nowitzki, and Norman Powell’s expectations for the 2026-27 season.

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Odoo

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Indeed

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Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

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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