"Traditionally, we've been slow starters around here and that can't be the case," guard Kirk Hinrich said. "I think we can definitely make a step up in the East. It's not going to be easy."

The game in Boston will be an interesting test, because the Celtics will be out to show that the seven-game playoff series wouldn't have been so competitive if Kevin Garnett had been healthy.

Garnett is back and Boston is off to a 2-0 start. The Celtics limited Charlotte to just 59 points while winning their home opener Wednesday.

This game will bring back fond memories of one of the greatest playoff series in NBA history. Ultimately, though, this is all about new business for the Bulls.

"It's going to be good, but at the same time, it's a new season," forward Tyrus Thomas said. "We've got to come in with winning this game in mind. That series is over. Everything that happened there is over. We've got to come in with the mindset to win that game."

BULLS 92, SPURS 85: The Bulls used balanced scoring, strong defense and a big third quarter to produce a victory over San Antonio in their season opener Thursday at the United Center. The Spurs began their season a day earlier with a home win over New Orleans.

The Bulls had six players score in double-figures, led by forward Luol Deng with 17. On the other side, Spurs forward Tim Duncan scored 28 points, but his teammates combined to shoot 34 percent from the field. After leading by one point at halftime, the Bulls opened a 72-58 advantage with 2:19 left in the third quarter and were never seriously threatened.