The NBA starts next week, and if you aren’t excited at the mere thought of that, you might want to go read another article. There are plenty of great games slated for the first week, and here are five matchups that you won’t want to miss:
Five Best Games of NBA Opening Week
Dallas at San Antonio (October 28th, 8 pm EST, TNT)
On the opening night of the 2014-2015 NBA season, the action will be good right from the start, with this Texan rivalry being renewed in San Antonio. The Spurs, coming off their recent NBA championship, return all of their key players, and we will see whether or not age will finally reach San Antonio. There is more hype with this Mavericks team than in recent years, and it’s been hinted that this could be Dirk Nowitzki’s last good chance at a title run. It will also be interesting to watch how the backcourt of Jameer Nelson and Monta Ellis mesh together.
LA Lakers at Phoenix (October 29, 10 pm EST)
While these may not be some of the top teams in the West, storylines abound in this matchup filled with new faces. Seeing how Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic, Tyler Ennis and Isaiah Thomas coexist is enough reason watch. Kobe is of course Kobe and, as has been the custom for the last 18 years (it’s been that long), any game he’s in is one worth at least checking out. It will also be interesting to see if Steve Nash and Carlos Boozer have anything left in the tank, which could be difference between the Lakers making the postseason.
Cleveland at Chicago (October 31, 8 pm EST, ESPN)
Definitely the best game of the week, this old Central Division rivalry is going to be renewed in the sweetest possible way. The returns of Derrick Rose and LeBron James will be the obvious reasons to watch, but also look for how Kevin Love meshes with his new Cavs teammates and the play of Dion Waiters. Waiters could have a role similar to that of Mario Chalmers last year, and his play could be the difference between a title in Cleveland and another year of disappointment. On the Bulls, watch for the regular season debut of Doug McDermott and new addition Aaron Brooks to a team in need of depth at the guard position.
Denver at OKC (November 2, 8 pm EST)
While maybe not one of the more touted games by many of the media, this game might be the most underrated one of the week. A Thunder team minus Kevin Durant will be looking to make it through the first months of the season, leaning on Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, and once again hoping that Jeremy Lamb, or a younger player like Mitch McGary or Andre Roberson step up and assert themselves. Denver is somewhat of an enigma this season, and Ty Lawson and JaVale McGee (you read that correctly) will have to lead this team of youngsters (including Gary Harris, Jr.) through the West. Watching the Nuggets now may help you decide whether or not you want to watch them at all this season.
Golden State at Portland (November 3, 9 pm EST)
The last game of the week on Sunday night, this game is the perfect way to end a weekend and sure you have you talking at the water cooler the next day. The Warriors and the Blazers are definitely two of the top teams in the West and sure-fire title contenders. The Splash Brothers will entertain with a barrage of threes as usual as well as the dynamic offensive games of Damian Lilliard and LaMarcus Aldridge, making this potential Western Conference finals preview one worth watching.
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