When the Chicago Bulls begin their pre-season play tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks, they will do so without a good portion of their starting lineup. Both Carlos Boozer and Ronnie Brewer were signed in the off-season to turn the Bulls from playoff team to title contender. However, Boozer and Brewer won’t play in tonight’s game due to a broken hand and a lingering hamstring issue, respectively.

Filling in for Boozer will be second year player Taj Gibson. Gibson had a phenomenal rookie campaign and was named as an All-Rookie First Team selection. Gibson will not only be asked to fill in for the injured Boozer, but he will also be expected to make big strides and build off of his first season as a professional. Keith Bogans, also signed in the off-season, is expected to start in place of Brewer.

The Bulls have pre-season games on the road tonight (Bucks) and Thursday (Dallas Mavericks) before playing in the United Center for the first time since losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.