The NBA season begins in just under 7 hours. 6 teams kick off their schedule tonight, followed by the rest of the league (including Portland) tomorrow. The season will not be defined by early games in the season for most teams, but down the stretch every game could count for many teams trying to get into the playoff picture or trying to move further from the playoff picture (Expect the best Tank-a-palooza ever this year!). Here are a preview of tonight's games, beginning with MIA-CHI.
Of the games tonight, the biggest storyline is Derrick Rose's return to basketball. After missing all of last season, Rose is, supposedly, back to his full strength and performing at, or better than, his previous athletic skill level. His recovery has prompted words of caution to other injured stars- Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo- about not coming back too soon. If Westbrook and Rondo do not return, there are big implications for the records of both Oklahoma City and Boston.
Can Miami 3 peat? It will be tougher, as the Eastern Conference is not as big of a cake-walk as the last few years, and the Western Conference provides a large depth of teams poised to make a run for the playoffs (potentially 12 teams?). I think Miami will fall just short, as Dwyane Wade is beginning to regress athletically and still cannot shoot. Chris Bosh needs to step up in a big way, or else LeBron will be forced into some of his old tactics in Cleveland that left the city without a championship.
Tonight?? Miami 97, Chicago 90
Indiana was the only team in the East last year to give the Heat a serious run, largely due to the emergence of Paul George. Can he keep it up? I think George is a likely All-Star, but a lot of Indiana's success could come down to how he meshes with Danny Granger (the team was better without him). Without Granger tonight, and playing against the Magic, expect a big night from George to show he is still the best rising star in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando is tanking. Oops, too blunt? Vucevic, Harris and Oladipo form a three man rotation many teams would want, but as the top-3 options is this really a playoff team? Far from it. And that is exactly what the Orlando front office is banking on. The success of the Magic season will come down to where they pick in the 2014 draft. Andrew Wiggins would be a huge coup, as would Dante Exum or Julius Randle. If they end up with Marcus Smart- a terrific prospect who could be a great NBA point guard- I am not sure the fate in Orlando is immediately improved.
Tonight?? Indiana 102, Orlando 88
The Clippers run LA. Yeah, I said it. I'll say it again: THE CLIPPERS RUN LA! While Lob City may be no more, Doc Rivers will have the Clippers team in a position to be the most feared team in the Western Conference. Chris Paul i the most dependable PG in the league, and could easily average 10 assists per game given his two threats inside and the new shooters that have been placed around him. While Donald Sterling could make a move that makes fans object, there is no denying how good this Clippers team can be, which is why I picked them to win the title this year.
The Lakers are stuck in the stage between competing and rebuilding. Kobe is the face of the franchise, but will he be able to return as the same Kobe that Laker fans adore? That has to be the million dollar question in LA. If he is unable to return, shouldn't the Lakers look to rebuild? I am sure lots of teams would love to make a deal for Pau Gasol, even when taking into consideration his massive salary. Ditto goes for Steve Nash. This team is currently capped out, but a dedication to rebuilding/tanking this season could give Lakerland the best chance of a quicker rise to prominence. As far as tonight goes, expect a lot of wild shots from Nick Young, and a frustrated Steve Nash.
Tonight?? Clippers 104, Lakers 83
Here is the status of what each team should be going for this year, not necessarily what they will do: Playoffs or Tanking
East:
Atlanta- Tank
Boston- Tank
Chicago- Playoffs
Cleveland- Playoffs
Detroit- Playoffs
Indiana- Playoffs
Miami- Playoffs
Milwaukee- Tank
Brooklyn- Playoffs
New York- Playoffs
Orlando- Tank
Philadelphia- Tank
Washington- Playoffs
Charlotte- Tank
Toronto- Playoffs
West
New Orleans- Playoffs
Dallas- Tank
Denver- Tank
Golden State- Playoffs
Houston- Playoffs
LA Lakers- Tank
LA Clippers- Playoffs
Minnesota- Playoffs
Phoenix- Tank
Portland- Playoffs
Sacramento- Tank
San Antonio- Playoffs
Oklahoma City- Playoffs
Houston- Playoffs
Memphis- Playoffs
Ready for tonight? College Hoops is right around the corner as well.
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