Two Eastern Conference powerhouse teams will collide this Tuesday at the United Center when the Chicago Bulls host the Cleveland Cavaliers, with both teams opening their respective 2015–16 campaigns.
The game will also be a rematch of last season's second round playoff series between both teams in which the Cavs stood tall after six games.
Last season, the Cavaliers reached the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, but injuries to their key players became a huge setback to their championship aspirations.
But in the preseason, some of those injured players returned. Such include big men Kevin Love, Anderson Varejao, and Timofey Mozgov who saw action in their preseason outings.
Unfortunately, All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving will likely miss more time with the season starting as he continues his recovery from a knee injury suffered in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
The Cavs will also be without guard Iman Shumpert who is nursing a wrist injury sustained before their training camp.
Despite the loss of Irving and Shumpert, Cleveland strengthened its lineup by signing center Sasha Kaun, with veterans Richard Jefferson and Mo Williams in the offseason.
There was also a scare that four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) LeBron James will not play due to a back woe experienced in the preseason which made him miss some games.
But James said, according to ESPN, that he is ready to go when they take on the Bulls.
Meanwhile, the Bulls will be heading to a new year with the same core they had last season, with the most notable addition being rookie forward Bobby Portis who was drafted 22nd overall this 2015. Portis had a great preseason stint and is one of the rookies who are expected to emerge this season.
But the biggest question is the availability of former MVP Derrick Rose who is recovering from an orbital fracture. Rose is expected to play against the Cavaliers and will be wearing a mask, but is still having difficulties with his vision.
The game between the Cavs and Bulls will be on October 27 at 8:00 p.m. EST and to watch via live stream click here.
