Bulls vs. Bucks: Tyler Herro's Milwaukee Debut at Home Meets Matas Buzelis and Chicago

The Central Division rivalry has a very different look this season. The Milwaukee Bucks opened their home schedule against the Chicago Bulls on Friday with Tyler Herro wearing Milwaukee green, and fans across the country were searching for the box score before the final buzzer.

Here is everything you need to know about the matchup, the players to watch and the stats that framed it.

Why the Game Tipped Off in the Afternoon

The Bucks' home opener landed on the same night as Game 1 of the World Series in Milwaukee, where the Brewers hosted the Rays. Rather than compete with the biggest baseball game the city has seen in decades, the Bucks moved tip-off to 3 p.m. CT. You can read all about the Fall Classic in our Brewers vs. Rays World Series preview.

Both Teams Need a Bounce-Back

Neither team got off to the start it wanted:

Both teams came in 0-1, so a win here meant avoiding an early-season hole.

Tyler Herro's New Home

Herro arrived in Milwaukee as the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. Milwaukee also landed young pieces in that deal, and Herro is now the man with the ball in his hands. His 24-point, nine-assist debut showed he is ready for that role. For more on how Giannis's first night in Miami went, read our Giannis Heat debut breakdown.

Chicago's Young Core

For the Bulls, the spotlight is on Matas Buzelis. The athletic forward led Chicago in the opener and is the kind of player the franchise is building around. Veteran Norman Powell gives the Bulls a proven scorer next to him.

Chicago also has reason for confidence: the Bulls beat a short-handed Bucks team comfortably in their preseason meeting on October 14.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Herro vs. Chicago's guards. Milwaukee's offense now runs through Herro's pick-and-roll game, so Chicago's ability to slow him down is the biggest swing factor.
• Buzelis on both ends. His length lets him guard multiple positions, and his scoring is Chicago's best weapon.
• Bench production. Milwaukee's new-look roster needs its supporting cast to step up without a superstar to lean on.

Looking Ahead

It is early, but nights like this shape a season. A win gives either team a needed boost after a rough opener, while a loss means an 0-2 start. If you are new to how the NBA season and postseason fit together, our guide to the NBA Play-In Tournament explains what is at stake from day one.

Follow every game this season in our NBA coverage.