The Chicago Bulls have been a punching bag in recent seasons, but they enter this season with a lot of talent on the roster and might exceed expectations early on.

The spirit in the locker room seems to be high as well. "Anxious, ready to go; confident," Zach LaVine (who posted 23.7 points per game last season) told reporters. "That's my mood for the team, my mood in general. Anxious to get this started, get this thing rolling." ... "You see how much the guys care for each other, " LaVine further said. "The coaches have been doing a good job of putting us in the best positions."

As for the Charlotte Hornets, they'll have to adjust to life without star PG Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb. They've brought in guard Terry Rozier from the Celtics, but center Cody Zeller (10.1 points per game) is their top returning scorer and I don't think they'll be able to keep up with the Bulls in this one.

8* play on Chicago Bulls.