The Chicago Bulls are a far better team this year, apparently with Derrick Rose finally starting a regular season plus an expected revved up Jimmy Butler to boot.
Both have been under the radar the entire offseason and now is their chance to douse water on all that talk about the two having issues. But the Bulls are, of course, more than that. They have Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson to toughen up the frontline, although they will be missing Mike Dunleavy for the meantime.
When you think about firepower, the Bulls are not short of it. First year coach Fred Hoiberg is bringing in a new system but that may hardly be appreciated this early and against a team that has not be pitted among the favorites.
The Nets are moving on from the Deron Williams-era and have only one high-priced player in Joe Johnson left. Brooklyn has built its team around Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young, two big men who will hopefully bring the Nets to new heights.
Jarret Jack, along with a roster of role players, will also be there to take the place of Williams. New stars could be born given the unknown lineup the Nets are carrying into the 2015–16 NBA season.
From all indications, the Bulls should be the favorites here despite the fact that they will be playing at the Barclays Center. The reality of it all is that the Bulls are still among the teams favored in the Eastern Conference with their proven lineup.
Then again it may depend on what head coach Lionel Hollins has drawn up for the season. If Lopez proves he is as good as the Nets believe he is, then the scenario could be different. Same goes for Thaddeus Young who has shown his capabilities but hasn't gotten much attention.
The Brooklyn Nets host the Chicago Bulls today, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. EST at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The game will be shown live via YES and WGN-TV. For those who want to watch the game via live stream, you can do so here.
