We are a day away from NBA Opening Day and I am buzzing. So to fuel my excitement and hopefully yours heres a preview of Opening Day of the 2013-14 NBA Regular Season.
Orlando Magic @ Indiana Pacers – 7pm ET – First game up is not really as star studded as the other two but it’s a game nevertheless. We get to see the bruising Pacers with hopeful star player Paul George. Danny Granger who, as i write this has just been diagnosed with a strained left calf and will be out for three weeks, and the dynamic duo of David West and Roy Hibbert.
They face a young Orlando Magic team who are making progress in their rebuilding phase. They have intimidating Nikola Vucevic, Moe Harkless who I think is going to have a better sophomore season than his rookie season. And finally Indiana alum Victor Oladipo who looks to spoil my pick of Ben McLemore for Rookie Of The Year. It’ll be a good appetiser to the 3 course meal that is Opening Day. I’ve got Indiana (again without Granger) in this one. 94-111.
Chicago Bulls @ Miami Heat – 8pm ET – Well it’s safe to say this is THE first game of all first games. Derrick Rose is back and what better place to scream that than the home of the current champions going for a 3-peat. He said in a recent interview with Michael Wilbon that
Sitting out was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I said Chicago will get the second seed and it’s obvious that the Heat are favourites. So to me this is the two best teams in the East battling it out for early bragging rights. I’ve got Miami to win this 102-98.
Los Angeles Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers – 10:30pm ET – Whenever I look at this matchup I take myself back 3 years ago. Lakers were still legit, Clippers were just struggling to get into the Playoffs, now look at it. The Clips are legit and some people think the Lakers should tank the season! It’s like role reversal.
So a Kobe-less Lakers face a Clippers side who have a major chance of getting into the NBA Finals. I’ve got the Clippers for this one 119-95.
One more day. Cannot wait!
