The Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to treat their preseason game against the Chicago Bulls like a regular season game. Head coach David Blatt noted that his goal was to get a good grasp on the right starting five and minutes rotation for each player as the real season begins in just under 10 days. The matchup was the first time the new trio of Kevin Love, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving were all on the court at the same time against another NBA team and chemistry was a priority. After getting a win, the boxscore gives plenty of hints at the new rotation for the Cavaliers.

James was right when he called 2014 the 'Kyrie Irving Show.' The point guard led the way to a win with 28 points in 39 minutes. Love raked in 35 minutes, grapping 13 rebounds while James played 32 minutes with 18 points. Those types of minutes for the three stars are to be expected. Dion Waiters also looked solid in the team win with 10 points in 33 minutes. The shooting guard is getting more responsibility this season and so far he is proving he can handle it. The battle to watch comes at the center position as Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson battle for minutes and boards.

Varejao got the nod against the Bulls which could be foreshadowing to the regular season. The veteran put down 22 points in 23 minutes of play. He also had eight rebounds going 10 for 13 from the field. Thompson led off the bench with 10 points in 24 minutes with eight rebounds as well. With almost identical stats, who is the better option to keep on the court?

According to the Cleveland Plain Journal, Blatt is not concerned about who starts or not. He believes both Varejao and Thompson are equally effective on the court and can contribute in big ways which is all that matters in his mind.

"I don't think we have to choose anybody. If one guy has played 26 minutes and another guy plays 32 minutes or they play 28 and 30, it doesn't make a difference. They're both equally effective and they both mix and match well with the other players out there," Blatt said.

So far Blatt seems to have things figured out. The Cavaliers beat the Bulls 107-98 despite the 30 points had by Derrick Rose. According to ProBasketballTalk (per Basketball-Reference) this could be the most successful split of minutes for the Cavaliers. Injuries will play a factor but as long as Thompson and Varejao keep putting up identical numbers, the Cavaliers will do just fine.