BULLS BEGIN TITLE DEFENSE VS. PITINO'S CELTICS 1997-98 NBA Season Tips Off October 31 NEW YORK, July 22 -- The two-time defending NBA Champion Chicago Bulls will begin their quest for a third consecutive title on Friday, October 31 at 8 p.m. EST when they visit the FleetCenter in Boston to challenge the Celtics, led by new head coach Rick Pitino.