Despite having their season end at the hands of the Cavaliers back in May, the Bulls are currently 3-point favorites over Cleveland for Tuesday’s season opener in Chicago.
The Cavs bested Chicago in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals without Kevin Love.
Love is back and will play in Tuesday’s game, but Cleveland won’t have Kyrie Irving, who is still recovering from a knee injury suffered during the NBA Finals.
LeBron James missed almost two weeks of training camp with a lower-back issue, but he told reporters Monday he’ll be ready to play.
"I'll be active tomorrow." - Hear from @KingJames following practice.#CavsTV [VIDEO]: https://t.co/bjiCBapc6K pic.twitter.com/l6E3KrohBc
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 26, 2015
Chicago, meanwhile, will have Derrick Rose – who coach Fred Hoiberg indicated will start.
Bulls prepared to face King James as NBA season tips off at the United CenterThe Bulls hold 8/1 odds to win the Eastern Conference and 22/1 odds to win their first NBA title since 1998, according to VegasInsider.com.