There’s nothing more blissful for the basketball fan than the opening days of the NBA season. The memories of last season are still fresh in the memory of fans, and optimism of the moves made by the 30 franchises during the offseason makes for a very happy environment all throughout the league.
While all 11 games are worthy of your attention, there are two games that will have the attention of the entire league. The Golden State Warriors will be squaring off against another of the teams looking to bring them down in the Utah Jazz.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors will be giving fans a preview of what will likely be the Eastern Conference Finals. Seeing Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry square off with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward has many fans drooling in their seats.
Charlotte Hornets @ Orlando Magic (October 20, 07:00 GMT+8)
The Orlando Magic have made a great start to their season by beating intra-state rivals Miami in a close battle. Aaron Gordon is slowly fulfilling his potential as he finished the game with a double-double.
They cannot sit on their laurels, though. Their next opponents at the Amway Center are the Hornets, a team coming from a close loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. If they aren’t careful with guarding Kemba Walker, they will see the guard score another 41 points.
New York Knicks @ Brooklyn Nets (October 20, 07:30 GMT+8)
The first Battle of the Boroughs this year will be held at the Barclays Center as the Brooklyn Nets will try to get a W off of the New York Knicks. They have a shot at actually winning this game as they took Blake Griffin and the Detroit Pistons to their utmost limits on the back of strong outings from Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie.
However, the Knicks aren’t exactly pushovers, either. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Enes Kanter haven’t let up on the gas pedal and pounded the Atlanta Hawks to submission. SBOBET tips aren’t exactly in favour of the Knickerbockers, but NYK +3.00 @ 2.09 is a worthwhile punt.
Boston Celtics @ Toronto Raptors (October 20, 08:00 GMT+8)
The Boston Celtics didn’t have that hard of a time against the Philadelphia 76ers, quickly establishing them as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry captivated the full-capacity Scotiabank Arena crowd by thumping the Cleveland Cavaliers to submission.
The Celtics are the big favourites to win with the quality of their players and coaching staff, but a highly motivated Kawhi should have no problems keeping Toronto in the game for the entire 48 minutes. Future NBA 2018 results in the East depend on this match, and I see this as a game that Boston will win narrowly. Boston +3.00 @ 1.93 is a palpable punt to make.
Atlanta Hawks @ Memphis Grizzlies (October 20, 08:00 GMT+8)
Both of these teams aren’t expected to win a lot of games this season, but this is the type of games that they should strive to win if they want their fans to have some reason to be happy. Memphis have a better shot at this game as Atlanta are still breaking in their star rookie in Trae Young.
However, Trae Young is the type of player that will suddenly sink four consecutive threes without warning. The Memphis defence better be ready for the kid.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Minnesota Timberwolves (October 20, 08:00 GMT+8)
If we throw all of the off-court drama out the window, the Minnesota Timberwolves can actually play good basketball. Jimmy Butler is a capable leader and is doing what he can to help get the team some wins before he is shipped off.
They have a shot to win in front of the home fans when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. They are still like a chicken without a head after LeBron James’ departure, but the future is looking bright for them under Kevin Love and Cedi Osman. This will be an entertaining game to watch.
Sacramento Kings @ New Orleans Pelicans (October 20, 08:00 GMT+8)
Anthony Davis is forcing his way to the GOAT conversation after a captivating performance against the Houston Rockets. With such a strong cast behind him, I don’t see Davis playing poorly at all this season.
I fully expect the Pelicans to steamroll past the hapless Sacramento Kings. Do you seriously believe that the chaotic Sacramento frontcourt has anything to answer to Davis, Nikola Mirotic and Julius Randle? I doubt it.
Indiana Pacers @ Milwaukee Bucks (October 20, 08:30 GMT+8)
This is another exciting game to watch for the true basketball fans.
The thought of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Oladipo trading buckets is something that plenty of neutral supporters are genuinely interested in catching. The fact that they both have outstanding players surrounding them, this is shaping up to be another preview to a classic playoff series come April or May.
Golden State Warriors @ Utah Jazz (October 20, 10:30 GMT+8)
The Golden State Warriors struggled a bit against an Oklahoma City Thunder team without Russell Westbrook, but they eventually took the W thanks to the combined brilliance of Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. The Dubs know that they cannot take their foot off the gas just yet; their next opponents are really tough ones.
Donovan Mitchell and the rest of the Utah Jazz had to deal with some off-season rust as they struggled to put the Sacramento Kings away, but I fully expect Spida Mitchell and the Jazz to ball against the Dubs and hope to throw the Golden State Warriors vs Utah Jazz predictions out the window. Go for Utah +2.00 @ 2.07.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ LA Clippers (October 20, 10:30 GMT+8)
The Thunder staggered a bit against the Warriors, but the fact that they pushed the Dubs to the limit without Westbrook is amazing in and of itself. I have no doubts on OKC bringing lightning to the Staples Center and snap the sails of the directionless Clippers.
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