MIAMI – The Miami Heat are ready for a big opening night.
Not only will the team raise their third championship banner and receive their championship rings Tuesday, they'll also face one of the best teams in the NBA: the Chicago Bulls.
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"Different year, different ring, different time... but the job at hand remains the same," said Udonis Haslem. "We got a team coming in here that wants to beat us, highly motivated team."
Haslem maintained that he wishes the ring ceremony were held a different night.
"I wish we could get the rings the same day as the parade, I keep telling everyone that," he said. "That way we can have one big party and move on."
There is no question the Heat and Bulls have developed a rivalry over the past few years. Chris Bosh said the bad blood is good for the team.
"A healthy dislike for everybody in the league is good for the champs," said Bosh.
Bosh said he understands why the Bulls may come into the game with a chip on their shoulders.
"We've been on the other side, we understand how they feel," said Bosh.
Coach Erik Spoelstra tried to give his team perspective.
"Last year, that doesn't guarantee anything this year," he said. "This is an entirely new championship. We're not defending it. We don't even have our hands on it. Nobody's defending it. Last year's is gone, this year's is up for grabs."
The Heat and Bulls tip-off at 8 p.m.