Raptors Battle Division Rival Celtics
The Toronto Raptors take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Raptors (1-0) enjoyed a successful Opening Night, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans by a 130-122 score in overtime. Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam co-led the Raptors with matching 34-point tallies. VanVleet added seven assists, five rebounds and two steals, while Siakam also registered 18 rebounds, five assists and one block. Lowry chipped in 22 points and also posted six assists, five boards and two steals. Serge Ibaka led the bench with 13 points and also managed five rebounds and one steal. OG Anunoby provided 11 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
The Raptors will list Patrick McCaw (knee) as doubtful for Friday's contest, while Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (groin) is considered probable.
The Celtics (0-1) weren't anywhere near as successful in their first game of the season Wednesday night, as they dropped a 107-93 decision to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Gordon Hayward led the way for Boston with 25 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Jayson Tatum generated a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Enes Kanter and Kemba Walker posted matching 12-point tallies, with Walker shooting just 4-for-18 from the floor in his regular-season team debut.
The Celtics will be without Kanter for Friday's game due to a knee bruise he suffered against Philadelphia. Romeo Langford (knee) and Tacko Fall (concussion) will be out as well.
The two teams split the four-game 2018-19 season series, with each notching its two victories on the other's home court.
The Raptors (1-0) enjoyed a successful Opening Night, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans by a 130-122 score in overtime. Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam co-led the Raptors with matching 34-point tallies. VanVleet added seven assists, five rebounds and two steals, while Siakam also registered 18 rebounds, five assists and one block. Lowry chipped in 22 points and also posted six assists, five boards and two steals. Serge Ibaka led the bench with 13 points and also managed five rebounds and one steal. OG Anunoby provided 11 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
The Raptors will list Patrick McCaw (knee) as doubtful for Friday's contest, while Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (groin) is considered probable.
The Celtics (0-1) weren't anywhere near as successful in their first game of the season Wednesday night, as they dropped a 107-93 decision to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Gordon Hayward led the way for Boston with 25 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Jayson Tatum generated a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Enes Kanter and Kemba Walker posted matching 12-point tallies, with Walker shooting just 4-for-18 from the floor in his regular-season team debut.
The Celtics will be without Kanter for Friday's game due to a knee bruise he suffered against Philadelphia. Romeo Langford (knee) and Tacko Fall (concussion) will be out as well.
The two teams split the four-game 2018-19 season series, with each notching its two victories on the other's home court.
Hornets Host Timberwolves on Friday
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Timberwolves (1-0) are a team in need of some positive developments and an overtime road victory in the opener is a great way to kick off their season. Getting that victory against an up-and-coming Brooklyn Nets team is even more encouraging, especially considering Kyrie Irving dropped a 50-burger in that game. Minnesota got a gem performance of their own, with Karl-Anthony Towns collected 36 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks in that 127-126 victory. They got that win despite Andrew Wiggins hitting just 10-of-27 from the field and that will inevitably get better too. These two need to get this team out of the dumps if they want to make some noise this season and they have the capability to do just that.
The Hornets (1-0) were expected to lead the league in losses this season but a win in the opener is an extremely encouraging sign. While it did come against the Bulls, that's expected to be a much-improved team. What Charlotte fans have to be ecstatic by is the play of their young players. P.J. Washington actually led the team with 27 points but he wasn't the only one with a career game. DeVonte' Graham led the bench with 23 points, four rebounds and eight assists while Dwayne Bacon amassed 22 points, five rebounds and three assists. Cody Zeller recorded a double-double as well and it's quite surprising to see role players like that succeed when most people anticipated Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges running the show. It says a lot about this team's depth and fans have to be hopeful this is a sign of things to come.
Despite splitting the last three season series, Charlotte has won seven of their last 10 games against Minnesota.
The Timberwolves (1-0) are a team in need of some positive developments and an overtime road victory in the opener is a great way to kick off their season. Getting that victory against an up-and-coming Brooklyn Nets team is even more encouraging, especially considering Kyrie Irving dropped a 50-burger in that game. Minnesota got a gem performance of their own, with Karl-Anthony Towns collected 36 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks in that 127-126 victory. They got that win despite Andrew Wiggins hitting just 10-of-27 from the field and that will inevitably get better too. These two need to get this team out of the dumps if they want to make some noise this season and they have the capability to do just that.
The Hornets (1-0) were expected to lead the league in losses this season but a win in the opener is an extremely encouraging sign. While it did come against the Bulls, that's expected to be a much-improved team. What Charlotte fans have to be ecstatic by is the play of their young players. P.J. Washington actually led the team with 27 points but he wasn't the only one with a career game. DeVonte' Graham led the bench with 23 points, four rebounds and eight assists while Dwayne Bacon amassed 22 points, five rebounds and three assists. Cody Zeller recorded a double-double as well and it's quite surprising to see role players like that succeed when most people anticipated Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges running the show. It says a lot about this team's depth and fans have to be hopeful this is a sign of things to come.
Despite splitting the last three season series, Charlotte has won seven of their last 10 games against Minnesota.
Knicks, Nets In Cross-town Clash
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the New York Knicks, at Barclays Center on Friday evening.
The Nets (0-1) are coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss in their home opener on Wednesday evening, where despite a record-breaking performance by Kyrie Irving, the Nets fell short by one point. Irving finished the contest with 50 points, which is a new NBA record for most points by a player in their debut with a team. Irving not only scored the ball, but grabbed eight rebounds, seven assists and committed no turnovers. Caris LeVert tallied 20 points, while Taurean Prince finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds in the contest. The Nets can take other positives from their first contest, including their 20 fast break points. They also tallied nine blocks and held their opponent to 43 percent shooting from the field. On the other hand, the Nets need to take a little bit better care of the ball, as they gave up 16 turnovers and 12 offensive rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (0-1) also fell short in their first contest, as they kicked off their season in San Antonio with a matchup against the Spurs. The Knicks made it a battle as they led 84-83 heading into the fourth quarter and despite the fact that they could not hold on, made the Spurs battle until the last whistle. R.J. Barrett looked great in his NBA debut, finishing with 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting, in 37 minutes of action. Julius Randle led the Knicks with 25 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Marcus Morris added 26 points and four rebounds. The new-look Knicks are deep and showed they have many weapons, as five players scored in double digits, in addition to great hustle performances from the other seven guys to get on the floor. Mitchell Robinson (ankle) missed the last contest but is expected to be ready for action on Friday.
The Nets (0-1) are coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss in their home opener on Wednesday evening, where despite a record-breaking performance by Kyrie Irving, the Nets fell short by one point. Irving finished the contest with 50 points, which is a new NBA record for most points by a player in their debut with a team. Irving not only scored the ball, but grabbed eight rebounds, seven assists and committed no turnovers. Caris LeVert tallied 20 points, while Taurean Prince finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds in the contest. The Nets can take other positives from their first contest, including their 20 fast break points. They also tallied nine blocks and held their opponent to 43 percent shooting from the field. On the other hand, the Nets need to take a little bit better care of the ball, as they gave up 16 turnovers and 12 offensive rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (0-1) also fell short in their first contest, as they kicked off their season in San Antonio with a matchup against the Spurs. The Knicks made it a battle as they led 84-83 heading into the fourth quarter and despite the fact that they could not hold on, made the Spurs battle until the last whistle. R.J. Barrett looked great in his NBA debut, finishing with 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting, in 37 minutes of action. Julius Randle led the Knicks with 25 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Marcus Morris added 26 points and four rebounds. The new-look Knicks are deep and showed they have many weapons, as five players scored in double digits, in addition to great hustle performances from the other seven guys to get on the floor. Mitchell Robinson (ankle) missed the last contest but is expected to be ready for action on Friday.
Pelicans Host Mavs In Home Opener
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Dallas Mavericks, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The Pelicans (0-1) put up an impressive fight in their season opener despite the odds stacked against them as they played on the road against the defending champs and without the first overall draft pick, Zion Williamson. The Pelicans shot 19-of-45 from long range in the contest, led by J.J. Redick (4-of-6), Nicolo Melli (4-of-5) and Josh Hart (3-of-5). They also did an excellent job moving the ball and tallied 30 assists. They gave up 19 turnovers, which is something they need to work on going forward. Brandon Ingram led the team offensively with 22 points, while Josh Hart tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds, in 28 minutes off the bench. The Pelicans put up 117 points in regulation time against a formidable opponent and showed that they will be able to compete. They will need to bring the same intensity to their home opener in order to hold up against the new-look Mavericks.
The Mavs (1-0) looked great in their season opener where they topped in the Wizards in Dallas. Luka Doncic came to play with 34 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-9 from long range. Kristaps Porzingis completed the one-two punch with 23 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-7 from deep. Dorian Finney-Smith and Justin Jackson chipped in 10 points each off the bench, while the Mavs shot 46 percent from the field. Despite the win, the Mavs were out rebounded, gave up 19 turnovers and gave up 19 fast-break points and 19 second-chance points. They will need to tighten up in these areas in order to continue on the right track. They only won nine games on the road last season and have a chance to make significant progress towards that mark with their first road game of the season.
The Pelicans (0-1) put up an impressive fight in their season opener despite the odds stacked against them as they played on the road against the defending champs and without the first overall draft pick, Zion Williamson. The Pelicans shot 19-of-45 from long range in the contest, led by J.J. Redick (4-of-6), Nicolo Melli (4-of-5) and Josh Hart (3-of-5). They also did an excellent job moving the ball and tallied 30 assists. They gave up 19 turnovers, which is something they need to work on going forward. Brandon Ingram led the team offensively with 22 points, while Josh Hart tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds, in 28 minutes off the bench. The Pelicans put up 117 points in regulation time against a formidable opponent and showed that they will be able to compete. They will need to bring the same intensity to their home opener in order to hold up against the new-look Mavericks.
The Mavs (1-0) looked great in their season opener where they topped in the Wizards in Dallas. Luka Doncic came to play with 34 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-9 from long range. Kristaps Porzingis completed the one-two punch with 23 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including 3-of-7 from deep. Dorian Finney-Smith and Justin Jackson chipped in 10 points each off the bench, while the Mavs shot 46 percent from the field. Despite the win, the Mavs were out rebounded, gave up 19 turnovers and gave up 19 fast-break points and 19 second-chance points. They will need to tighten up in these areas in order to continue on the right track. They only won nine games on the road last season and have a chance to make significant progress towards that mark with their first road game of the season.
Wizards And Thunder Face Off In Sooner State Battle
The Washington Wizards take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday night.
The Wizards (0-1) endured a rough Opening Night 108-100 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, a contest in which Bradley Beal was ejected for back-to-back technical fouls. Beal paced the Wizards with 19 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals. Thomas Bryant and Rui Hachimura contributed matching 14-point tallies, with Bryant hauling in 11 rebounds and Hachimura pulled down 10. Moritz Wagner furnished 13 points to lead the bench, while Jordan McRae supplied 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Wizards will list Isaiah Thomas (thumb) as a game-time decision for Friday's game. McRae (finger), C.J. Miles (foot), Troy Brown (calf) and Ian Mahinmi (Achilles) will all be out.
The Thunder (0-1) also stumbled in their first game, dropping a 100-95 decision to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, adding two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Chris Paul totaled 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Danilo Gallinari registered 21 points as well, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Thunder will list Andre Roberson (knee) as out for Friday's game.
The teams split the two-game season series during the 2018-19 campaign.
The Wizards (0-1) endured a rough Opening Night 108-100 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, a contest in which Bradley Beal was ejected for back-to-back technical fouls. Beal paced the Wizards with 19 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals. Thomas Bryant and Rui Hachimura contributed matching 14-point tallies, with Bryant hauling in 11 rebounds and Hachimura pulled down 10. Moritz Wagner furnished 13 points to lead the bench, while Jordan McRae supplied 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Wizards will list Isaiah Thomas (thumb) as a game-time decision for Friday's game. McRae (finger), C.J. Miles (foot), Troy Brown (calf) and Ian Mahinmi (Achilles) will all be out.
The Thunder (0-1) also stumbled in their first game, dropping a 100-95 decision to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, adding two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Chris Paul totaled 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Danilo Gallinari registered 21 points as well, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Thunder will list Andre Roberson (knee) as out for Friday's game.
The teams split the two-game season series during the 2018-19 campaign.
Grizzlies Host Bulls in Home Opener
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Chicago Bulls at FedEx Forum on Friday.
The Bulls (0-1) have a lot of promise headed into the 2019-20 season but a loss to the Charlotte Hornets in the opener is not a good sign. What is really discouraging about that defeat is the fact that Chicago blew a double-digit lead with about five minutes remaining. That's the growing pains of a young team though and there were things that fans have to be encouraged by. The biggest sign of development was a gem from Lauri Markkanen, with the Arizona product providing 35 points and 17 rebounds in that opener. That's an awesome stat line from a great player and it's scary to think how good they can be if all of these young players start balling out. Players like Wendell Carter, Coby White and Zach LaVine all have serious upside too and it could pair beautifully with veterans like Thaddeus Young and Otto Porter as the season progresses.
The Grizzlies (0-1) are another team that could have some growing pains this season and that was evident in their opener. Memphis went into Miami and took a 120-101 defeat at the hands of the Heat. What makes that frustrating is the fact that Memphis led going into the fourth quarter but were outscored in that final frame, 37-17. The three-point shooting in that loss really cost them, connecting on just 5-of-32 from long range. That obviously won't get it done and the long-range shooting could be an issue all season long with the roster they've put together. This team is built around young players like Jaren Jackson and Ja Morant and that will obviously spell growing pains despite their sky-high potential.
Chicago has swept two straight season series over Memphis, winning four straight games against them in total.
The Bulls (0-1) have a lot of promise headed into the 2019-20 season but a loss to the Charlotte Hornets in the opener is not a good sign. What is really discouraging about that defeat is the fact that Chicago blew a double-digit lead with about five minutes remaining. That's the growing pains of a young team though and there were things that fans have to be encouraged by. The biggest sign of development was a gem from Lauri Markkanen, with the Arizona product providing 35 points and 17 rebounds in that opener. That's an awesome stat line from a great player and it's scary to think how good they can be if all of these young players start balling out. Players like Wendell Carter, Coby White and Zach LaVine all have serious upside too and it could pair beautifully with veterans like Thaddeus Young and Otto Porter as the season progresses.
The Grizzlies (0-1) are another team that could have some growing pains this season and that was evident in their opener. Memphis went into Miami and took a 120-101 defeat at the hands of the Heat. What makes that frustrating is the fact that Memphis led going into the fourth quarter but were outscored in that final frame, 37-17. The three-point shooting in that loss really cost them, connecting on just 5-of-32 from long range. That obviously won't get it done and the long-range shooting could be an issue all season long with the roster they've put together. This team is built around young players like Jaren Jackson and Ja Morant and that will obviously spell growing pains despite their sky-high potential.
Chicago has swept two straight season series over Memphis, winning four straight games against them in total.
Suns and Nuggets Tangle in Mile High Showdown
The Phoenix Suns take on the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on Friday night.
The Suns (1-0) got the new season off to a rousing start Wednesday night, impressively disposing of the Sacramento Kings by a 124-96 score. However, they'll have to play Friday without Deandre Ayton, who was suspended for 25 games by the NBA on Thursday for testing positive for a diuretic. Ayton had managed an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double in Wednesday's opener. Devin Booker led the way with 22 points and also dished out 10 assists, pulled down two rebounds and recorded one steal. Kelly Oubre, Jr. delivered 21 points, nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Ricky Rubio generated an 11-point, 11-assist double-double in his first game for the Suns, adding six rebounds and four steals.
In addition to Ayton, the Suns will be without rookie Cameron Johnson (calf) for Friday's contest.
The Nuggets (1-0) prevailed in their first game of the season as well, toppling the Portland Trail Blazers, 108-100, on Wednesday night. Nikola Jokic furnished 20 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Will Barton supplied 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Jamal Murray tallied 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Paul Millsap collected 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Nuggets will likely list Bol Bol (foot) as questionable at best for Friday's contest after he missed the regular-season opener.
The Nuggets won the 2018-19 season series between the teams by a 3-1 margin.
The Suns (1-0) got the new season off to a rousing start Wednesday night, impressively disposing of the Sacramento Kings by a 124-96 score. However, they'll have to play Friday without Deandre Ayton, who was suspended for 25 games by the NBA on Thursday for testing positive for a diuretic. Ayton had managed an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double in Wednesday's opener. Devin Booker led the way with 22 points and also dished out 10 assists, pulled down two rebounds and recorded one steal. Kelly Oubre, Jr. delivered 21 points, nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Ricky Rubio generated an 11-point, 11-assist double-double in his first game for the Suns, adding six rebounds and four steals.
In addition to Ayton, the Suns will be without rookie Cameron Johnson (calf) for Friday's contest.
The Nuggets (1-0) prevailed in their first game of the season as well, toppling the Portland Trail Blazers, 108-100, on Wednesday night. Nikola Jokic furnished 20 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Will Barton supplied 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Jamal Murray tallied 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Paul Millsap collected 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Nuggets will likely list Bol Bol (foot) as questionable at best for Friday's contest after he missed the regular-season opener.
The Nuggets won the 2018-19 season series between the teams by a 3-1 margin.
Kings Host Blazers on With Both Teams Looking for First Win
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
The Trail Blazers (0-1) got the better end of the Nuggets in the Western Conference Playoffs last season but Denver got their revenge in the opener. The Nuggets actually went into Moda Center and handed the Blazers a 108-100 defeat. The defense really collapsed in the fourth quarter, allowing Denver to drop 35 points. Damian Lillard did his job by providing 32 points and eight assists but C.J. McCollum scored just 12 points on 5-of-18 from the field. That obviously won't get it done and he'll surely play better in the coming games. The signing of Hassan Whiteside is obviously playing dividends though, collecting 16 points and 19 rebounds in that defeat. Those three will run the show for the rest of the season but contributions from players like Mario Hezonja, Rodney Hood, Kent Bazemore and Zach Collins would be welcomed too.
The Kings (0-1) also lost in their opener but their performance was downright embarrassing. Sacramento traveled to face the Phoenix Suns and many experts had that team pegged to be one of the bottom-dwellers in the west. The loss is bad but the nature of the defeat is what's really discouraging. The Suns handed the Kings a 124-95 beatdown and it's shocking just how poorly Sacramento played. They actually committed 26 turnovers in that loss, which ironically matched their worst total from last season, which happened to come against Phoenix too. Kings fans have to hope that it was just a blip on the radar though, as the first game can always be a tricky beast. In any case, look for them to play better here in their home opener and be a much better team down the line.
Portland has dominated this series over recent years, winning 12 of their last 14 games over Sacramento.
The Trail Blazers (0-1) got the better end of the Nuggets in the Western Conference Playoffs last season but Denver got their revenge in the opener. The Nuggets actually went into Moda Center and handed the Blazers a 108-100 defeat. The defense really collapsed in the fourth quarter, allowing Denver to drop 35 points. Damian Lillard did his job by providing 32 points and eight assists but C.J. McCollum scored just 12 points on 5-of-18 from the field. That obviously won't get it done and he'll surely play better in the coming games. The signing of Hassan Whiteside is obviously playing dividends though, collecting 16 points and 19 rebounds in that defeat. Those three will run the show for the rest of the season but contributions from players like Mario Hezonja, Rodney Hood, Kent Bazemore and Zach Collins would be welcomed too.
The Kings (0-1) also lost in their opener but their performance was downright embarrassing. Sacramento traveled to face the Phoenix Suns and many experts had that team pegged to be one of the bottom-dwellers in the west. The loss is bad but the nature of the defeat is what's really discouraging. The Suns handed the Kings a 124-95 beatdown and it's shocking just how poorly Sacramento played. They actually committed 26 turnovers in that loss, which ironically matched their worst total from last season, which happened to come against Phoenix too. Kings fans have to hope that it was just a blip on the radar though, as the first game can always be a tricky beast. In any case, look for them to play better here in their home opener and be a much better team down the line.
Portland has dominated this series over recent years, winning 12 of their last 14 games over Sacramento.
Lakers Host Jazz In Home Opener
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Utah Jazz, at Staples Center on Friday evening.
The Lakers (0-1) are coming off a tough loss in their season opener, as they fell short against the Clippers on Tuesday. Despite many great individual performances the Lakers fell short by 10 points, as they allowed their opponent to shoot 52 percent from the field, gave up 22 fast-break points and 25 points off turnovers. On the positive side, Danny Green set a Lakers record for most points in a debut with the team, as he tallied 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 7-of-9 from deep. Anthony Davis finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, while LeBron James tallied 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Although they already played in the Staples Center, the Lakers were not the home team. They will get their chance for their home opener on Friday and can take the opportunity to move on from their disappointing season start.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (1-0) are coming off an impressive win in their home opener, where they topped the Thunder, 105-100, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday. The Jazz trailed by six heading into the fourth on Wednesday but battled back behind 14 points from Donovan Mitchell in the quarter. Mitchell finished with 32 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a steal. Bojan Bogdanovic looked good in his debut with the Jazz as he tallied 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Mike Conley was very quiet in his debut, with five points on 1-of-16 shooting, in 27 minutes. Emmanuel Mudiay was solid off the bench, with 12 points, five assists and two rebounds, in 23 minutes. Dante Exum (knee) will remain sidelined through Friday.
The Lakers (0-1) are coming off a tough loss in their season opener, as they fell short against the Clippers on Tuesday. Despite many great individual performances the Lakers fell short by 10 points, as they allowed their opponent to shoot 52 percent from the field, gave up 22 fast-break points and 25 points off turnovers. On the positive side, Danny Green set a Lakers record for most points in a debut with the team, as he tallied 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 7-of-9 from deep. Anthony Davis finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, while LeBron James tallied 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Although they already played in the Staples Center, the Lakers were not the home team. They will get their chance for their home opener on Friday and can take the opportunity to move on from their disappointing season start.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (1-0) are coming off an impressive win in their home opener, where they topped the Thunder, 105-100, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday. The Jazz trailed by six heading into the fourth on Wednesday but battled back behind 14 points from Donovan Mitchell in the quarter. Mitchell finished with 32 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a steal. Bojan Bogdanovic looked good in his debut with the Jazz as he tallied 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Mike Conley was very quiet in his debut, with five points on 1-of-16 shooting, in 27 minutes. Emmanuel Mudiay was solid off the bench, with 12 points, five assists and two rebounds, in 23 minutes. Dante Exum (knee) will remain sidelined through Friday.