Chicago Bulls 2009-10 Season: Top Ten Intriguing Match-Ups

Following a season where Bulls fans saw a young team grow so much, expectations are surprisingly high for 2009-10.

From a struggling start with a first time head coach, to a sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs that saw them take the reigning NBA champs to a remarkable seven-game series, the 08-09 season sure was a bumpy ride.

Now that the NBA schedules have been released, it's time to look at the top 10 games to look forward to for the Chicago Bulls 2009-10 season:

10. January 20 at L.A. Clippers

Most fans usually circle any date with the Clips as a sure fire win, and hopefully the Bulls can produce as anticipated.

However, this match-up will feature the past two number one overall draft picks, Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin.

Although there may not be any one-on-one type action, it's always great to see two of the best young talents in the league square off.

9. November 5 at Cleveland

With a brutal beginning to the season (San Antonio at home and Boston on the road), the Bulls' first match-up with King James and the Big Jester should prove to be quite a challenge.

After trading Thabo Sefolosha last season, the Bulls have been searching for a LeBron stopper, just like many other teams in the Eastern Conference.

We'll have to see if sub-par defenders John Salmons or Luol Deng can dethrone the King or if Vinny Del Negro goes the long and lanky route and tries someone like Tyrus Thomas or rookie James Johnson.

8. November 19 at L.A. Lakers

Adding to the tough early season schedule, the annual "Circus Trip" takes the Bulls out west for games at Sacramento, the Lakers, Denver, Portland and Utah and then to U.C. North, Milwaukee, before heading home.

As with every year, the Circus Trip will show what these young Bulls are all about, starting with this match-up with the reigning NBA champs and former Bull and new Laker, Ron Artest.

7. April 13, Boston at home

Sitting in August, it's tough looking all the way to April, but the Bulls' second-to-last game could have strong playoff implications.

Then again, it might not.

6. March 9, Utah at home

The big rumor surrounding the Bulls this offseason was that Carlos Boozer was coming to Chicago.

Barring any mid-season trades, Bulls fans will finally get their wish as Boozer's Jazz come to town for a game which also pits two of the best point guards in the league (Rose and Deron Williams).

5. February 6, Miami at home

Can you hear the rowdy crowd at the United Center already?

"Wade come home...Wade come home...Wade come home."

In what may become the biggest offseason in NBA history, the 2010 free agent class could include the likes of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and hometown favorite Dwayne Wade.

Don't be surprised if you see any Bulls players whispering in D-Wade's ear in pregame warm-ups.

4. October 30 at Boston

The second game of the season for the Bulls features the two teams that played maybe the best series in NBA history.

The first-round series between the Bulls and the Celtics in last year's playoffs featured a record seven total overtime periods, including a triple-overtime game six.

The game will also feature two of the best young point guards, Rose and Rajon Rondo, who will each be one year wiser and one year hungrier.

3. November 17 at Sacramento

The first game of the Circus Trip will feature former Kings Brad Miller and John Salmons going back home for the first time since they were traded to the Bulls last February.

The game will also feature the last two point guards for the Memphis Tigers (both top five draft selections), Rose and Tyreke Evans. Evans has impressed early, and Bulls and Kings fans could be in for a couple of great performances.

2. December 2, Detroit at home

Not that a game between the Bulls and the Pistons really needs special implications, but all four of this year's match-ups will be extra enticing.

In a busy offseason, Detroit plucked longtime Bull Ben Gordon off of the free agent pile, fueling a rivalry that is beginning to fester into one of the NBA's best.

It'll be interesting to see how fans at the U.C. will react when Gordo's name is announced, as his career with the Bulls has been a roller coaster.

1. October 29, San Antonio at home

The number one game for Bulls fans to look forward to this season? It's opening day.

The Bulls will definitely be challenged as coach Vinny Del Negro will face the team with which he spent the majority of his career.

The Spurs, who in the offseason acquired Richard Jefferson from the Bucks and signed veterans Antonio McDyess and Theo Ratliff, are looking to regain dominance as Spurs' threesome of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli gets one year older.

All I know is, opening day can't get here soon enough. In the meantime, let's enjoy Mr. Cutler.