Chicago Bulls announce starting lineup for preseason opener

Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau announced the starting lineup for Chicago's preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzles on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Per the Chicago Tribune:

As expected, the Bulls are using Kirk Hinrich, Richard Hamilton, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah as their starters in advance of next Tuesday's preseason opener against the Grizzlies at the United Center.

"We're starting off with Kirk, Rip, Lu, Carlos and Joakim," the Bulls coach said. "We're still getting a read on things. We'll look at some different stuff in the preseason to see what makes the most sense."

Bulls superstar Derrick Rose isn't expected to play in a game until after the All-Star Break, though early reports suggest that Rose could potentially return from the injury sooner than expected.

Thibodeau will have seven preseason games to determine what makes the most sense for his Bulls. Chicago is set to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers in preseason action throughout the month of October.

Chicago's regular season will get underway on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at home against the Sacramento Kings. We'll see if Thibodeau keeps the same starting lineup then.