5 Chicago Bulls Storylines For Season Opener

One major part of the Bulls' rotation that we didn't see settled in the preseason is who would close out games down the stretch in the fourth quarter. Taj Gibson performed those duties last season, but with Pau Gasol now in the mix, Tom Thibodeau must decide on a group to close out games.

We are used to keeping an eye on Derrick Rose's health, but now we must also watch Noah's health after he said his knee would 'be an issue all season.' Noah (and Rose) will be on a minutes limit and likely play between 30-34 minutes to start the season.

Butler announced Wednesday that he would miss the team's opener but remained optimistic he would be able to play Friday against Cleveland. He could possibly be out longer as Thibodeau threw around a 2-4 week timetable, a 1-3 week timetable and then the Bulls PR staff said the timetable began the date of his injury, Oct. 19.

The Bulls will face-off with Carmelo Anthony after he snubbed them this summer to consequently set up the Knicks-Bulls opener. The Bulls players remain coy about the whole situation, saying there's no hard feelings or bad blood.

We saw Derrick Rose in the preseason where he made great progress, but he will now take the court for the first time in the regular season since November 2013. Like Noah, he will face minutes restrictions, but Bulls fans are just happy to have their franchise player back once again.