The 2015-16 NBA season kicks off on Tuesday with three games on tap, but the one that intrigues us the most has the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting the Chicago Bulls in a rematch of last season’s Conference Semi-Finals, won in six games by the Cavs, on their way to representing the East in the NBA Finals.

According to the most recent odds at Sports.Betway.com, the Bulls (1.53) are favoured to exact a bit of revenge over the Cleveland (2.55) in this contest.

Let’s see how these teams match up in what could easily be a preview of this season’s Eastern Conference Final.

As mentioned, the Cavs wound up going to the Finals last year, but dropped the final three in losing in six games to the Warriors. As always, LeBron James will dictate the fortunes of this club, but there’s talk he may not see as much PT as usual — especially early on given the back woe that’s plagued him this preseason. He will suit up Tuesday, however.

LBJ is 30 now, so no longer a kid, and after seeing a career low 36.1 MPG last season, that figure may dip even lower this season. He remains one of the top Fantasy studs around, and the fact that he hoisted up more shots last season was great to see. Expect more of the same early on with PG Kyrie Irving (knee) sidelined. After all, we all know what Irving is capable of when healthy — even in the virtual world (see video below).

Meanwhile, Chicago’s stud PG is also dealing with injuries, as Derrick Rose — shockingly — can’t stay healthy. He’s expected to play Tuesday, but the fact that he says he’s still experiencing blurred vision in the wake of an orbital bone fracture is sobering.

Rose stayed somewhat healthier last season, playing in his most games (51) since 2010-11, and while he was more effective, his PT has been declining for several seasons. Chicago is a very different team when he’s in the lineup, and you can’t help but wonder how D-Rose’s presence will affect the continued development of star-in-the-making SG Jimmy Butler.

Cleveland was decimated by injuries in the playoffs and probably felt snakebitten as a result — especially after blowing its 2-1 lead in the Finals. You have to know that will be a motivating force all season for this team. The fact that somehow it feels like King James’ legacy won’t fully be complete under he brings a title to Cleveland only fuels that dynamic further.

Interestingly, the Bulls also blew a 2-1 lead in their conference semi-final, dropping the final three to bow out to Cleveland just as it appeared Chicago was ready to slay the beast.

The Cavs proved in that series that they didn’t necessarily live and die based on the performances of James and Irving. James only shot 39.9 per cent in the Chicago series, while Irving was also not at his best before getting hurt in the deciding game.

Other issues facing Cleveland early on this season will be how quickly Kevin Love returns to full effectiveness after his shoulder was hurt in the postseason. Centre Timofey Mozgov (knee) may also be somewhat limited early on as he underwent surgery in the offseason. Still, the fact that he’s been consistently flirting with double-doubles this preseason is a great sign.

Now it’s your turn. Let us know in the comments below what you expect to happen in this game.

Download the RotoRob App

Did you know that RotoRob.com now has its own app? Download it here!

Less than two weeks ago, the Detroit Pistons were very much alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race. But five straight losses have dropped them to 11th in the conference, making a lottery pick much more likely than postseason action. more

Griffin has been able to log more PT this season, and while his shooting has slipped slightly once again and he’s never developed into a shot blocker, he is enjoying his finest season offensively. More than anything, it’s his consistency — 26 straight games of at least 20 points — that has really stuck out. more

Before we launch into our Super Bowl preview, how about some free betting tips on the game? Looking to lay down some cash on the endless things you can be on for the Super Bowl? Sportsbook Review has realtime props odds for the Superbowl. more

Of course, rain may threaten all the fun, but if you ask Wainwright, he might tell you that missing the Mets wouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen to him. After all, he’s inexplicably struggled in his career against them (1-4, 7.29 ERA in seven games, five of them starts). WTF? more