David Blatt: Anderson Varejao will start at center in season opener

Anderson Varejao will be the Cleveland Cavaliers' starter at center to open the season, coach David Blatt said Friday.

Anderson Varejao will be the Cleveland Cavaliers' starter at center for the team's Oct. 30 season opener against the New York Knicks, coach David Blatt said Friday.

Injuries have limited Varejao to only 146 games over the past four seasons. The 32-year-old averaged 8.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in 65 games last season.

With Varejao starting, 2011 first-round pick Tristan Thompson will come off the bench.

This offseason the Cavaliers added four-time MVP LeBron James and traded for star power forward Kevin Love. The team is ranked second in SI.com's preseason power rankings.

Cleveland went 33-49 and missed the playoffs in 2013-14.

• 70 reasons to watch the NBA this year

- Chris Johnson