The Chicago Bulls enter the season with a roster filled with proven players, but there's a lot to prove for this team.

The Charlotte Hornets look much less imposing at first glance and will be looking to prove people wrong throughout the season.

The teams meet in the season opener Wednesday night at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Both teams missed the playoffs last season, so the preseason was crucial.

The Bulls come into the season off a miserable 22-60 campaign, so they're looking to get things rolling in the right direction.

Guard Zach LaVine, who posted 23.7 points per game last season, figures to be the centerpiece for what Chicago is trying to build. Entering his fifth NBA season, he's coming off his most productive campaign.

Bulls point guard Coby White, the team's first-round draft pick out of North Carolina, gets the chance to open his career in his home state.

The Bulls also hope to get more from second-year forward Wendell Carter Jr., who was limited to 44 games as a rookie because of injuries.

Meanwhile, the Hornets could have a starting lineup with center Cody Zeller (10.1 points per game) as the top returning scorer.

Not only are the Hornets without guard Kemba Walker -- who left for the Boston Celtics -- but Jeremy Lamb also moved on. That means the top two scorers from last season are gone.

Charlotte looks for the arrival of guard Terry Rozier from the Celtics to help pick up the slack. First-round draft pick P.J. Washington, a forward, should have ample opportunity for a key role.

Chicago opens with three games across a four-night span. Four of its first five are on the road.