Pistons Host Magic To Open Season
The Detroit Pistons will host the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
The Pistons prepare for another rebuilding season, but this time, they’ll do without one of their biggest trade chips from the 2021-22 campaign as Jerami Grant is no longer on the roster. Detroit added some decent veterans that can be flipped in the deadline such as Nerlens Noel, Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, but for the most part, this will be a team led by young players. Cade Cunningham will carry the franchise, but Jaden Ivery and Jalen Duran figure to be steady contributors as well. The Pistons ended last season with a 23-59 record, good for 14th in the East.
It seems as if the Magic have been struck in a rebuilding process that has taken forever, but don’t be surprised if this is the year in which they finally take a step forward in that approach. Orlando didn’t a lot in free agency and focused on adding young players that can contribute right away, which is the case of the first-overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero, and the 32nd overall pick, Caleb Houstan. No one says the Magic will make the playoffs this year, but at the very least, they should be more fun to watch and far more competitive. Starting the season with a win at Detroit would be an excellent starting point. The Magic ended last season with a 22-60 record, good for last in the East.
The Pistons prepare for another rebuilding season, but this time, they’ll do without one of their biggest trade chips from the 2021-22 campaign as Jerami Grant is no longer on the roster. Detroit added some decent veterans that can be flipped in the deadline such as Nerlens Noel, Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, but for the most part, this will be a team led by young players. Cade Cunningham will carry the franchise, but Jaden Ivery and Jalen Duran figure to be steady contributors as well. The Pistons ended last season with a 23-59 record, good for 14th in the East.
It seems as if the Magic have been struck in a rebuilding process that has taken forever, but don’t be surprised if this is the year in which they finally take a step forward in that approach. Orlando didn’t a lot in free agency and focused on adding young players that can contribute right away, which is the case of the first-overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero, and the 32nd overall pick, Caleb Houstan. No one says the Magic will make the playoffs this year, but at the very least, they should be more fun to watch and far more competitive. Starting the season with a win at Detroit would be an excellent starting point. The Magic ended last season with a 22-60 record, good for last in the East.
Bradley Beal, Wizards To Face Pacers
The Indiana Pacers will host the Washington Wizards at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Pacers were not able to trade Myles Turner or Buddy Hield during the offseason, but that doesn’t mean they are not ready to embark on a full rebuild. The arrival of Tyrese Haliburton should give the team a solid building block in the backcourt, and the addition of sixth overall pick Benedict Mathurin might be an underrated move as well, as he has all the tools in the world to fight for the Rookie of the Year Award. The first months of the season will ultimately determine what happens with Indiana, but if the Pacers keep at least one of Turner or Hield, they might have enough in them to compete for a play-in berth. The Pacers ended last season with a 25-57 record, good for 13th in the East.
The Wizards have been stuck in mediocrity for quite a while and while the roster is taking steps forward, it’s still uncertain as to whether they’re good enough to reach the playoffs without needing a play-in berth. Sure, Bradley Beal is an elite scorer and one of the best guards in the league, but then, what’s left? Kristaps Porzingis is either often injured or too inconsistent to be a bonafide second star, Kyle Kuzma falls on the same category, and young players such as Rui Hachimura and rookie Johnny Davis aren’t ready to assume such a load. They should be better than last year, though, adding some serviceable veterans such as Monte Morris, Will Barton and Taj Gibson – all three should add depth and versatility to a team that desperately needs that. The Wizards ended last season with a 35-47 record, good for 12th in the East.
The Pacers were not able to trade Myles Turner or Buddy Hield during the offseason, but that doesn’t mean they are not ready to embark on a full rebuild. The arrival of Tyrese Haliburton should give the team a solid building block in the backcourt, and the addition of sixth overall pick Benedict Mathurin might be an underrated move as well, as he has all the tools in the world to fight for the Rookie of the Year Award. The first months of the season will ultimately determine what happens with Indiana, but if the Pacers keep at least one of Turner or Hield, they might have enough in them to compete for a play-in berth. The Pacers ended last season with a 25-57 record, good for 13th in the East.
The Wizards have been stuck in mediocrity for quite a while and while the roster is taking steps forward, it’s still uncertain as to whether they’re good enough to reach the playoffs without needing a play-in berth. Sure, Bradley Beal is an elite scorer and one of the best guards in the league, but then, what’s left? Kristaps Porzingis is either often injured or too inconsistent to be a bonafide second star, Kyle Kuzma falls on the same category, and young players such as Rui Hachimura and rookie Johnny Davis aren’t ready to assume such a load. They should be better than last year, though, adding some serviceable veterans such as Monte Morris, Will Barton and Taj Gibson – all three should add depth and versatility to a team that desperately needs that. The Wizards ended last season with a 35-47 record, good for 12th in the East.
Trae Young, Hawks Open Season Against Rockets
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Houston Rockets at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Hawks seemed as if they were ready to trade at least one of John Collins or Clint Capela in the offseason, but that didn’t happen. The addition of Dejounte Murray gives Atlanta a massive upgrade in the backcourt and it also allows Trae Young to play freely since these guards can easily complement and co-exist with each other, but the fact that they also lost players such as Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Huerter and Gorgui Dieng, three names that, on a bad night, were able to provide minutes and specific traits off the bench. It seems as if this will be a make-or-break season for the Hawks, and while starting against the Rockets is a winnable game on paper, this team has been very inconsistent in the past and will have to rely – almost exclusively – on Young to make another playoff push. The Hawks ended last season with a 43-39 record, good for eighth in the East.
The Rockets are primed to be one of the worst teams in the Western Conference once again, but it’s not as if things are not looking upwards for the Texas-based franchise. Houston is filled with young, talented players that are ready to takeover the league by storm, and as Ja’Sean Tate, they are not going to be pushed around and are looking to show aggressiveness every time they step into the court. The Rockets lost Christian Wood, but they added two rookies that are ready to be part of an NBA rotation right away in Jabari Smith and Tari Eason, while also featuring veterans such as Eric Gordon, Tate and Derrick Favors that can provide solid minutes and value at the deadline. Still, this team will only go as far as the duo of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter can take it. The Rockets ended last season with a 20-62 record, good for last in the Western Conference.
The Hawks seemed as if they were ready to trade at least one of John Collins or Clint Capela in the offseason, but that didn’t happen. The addition of Dejounte Murray gives Atlanta a massive upgrade in the backcourt and it also allows Trae Young to play freely since these guards can easily complement and co-exist with each other, but the fact that they also lost players such as Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Huerter and Gorgui Dieng, three names that, on a bad night, were able to provide minutes and specific traits off the bench. It seems as if this will be a make-or-break season for the Hawks, and while starting against the Rockets is a winnable game on paper, this team has been very inconsistent in the past and will have to rely – almost exclusively – on Young to make another playoff push. The Hawks ended last season with a 43-39 record, good for eighth in the East.
The Rockets are primed to be one of the worst teams in the Western Conference once again, but it’s not as if things are not looking upwards for the Texas-based franchise. Houston is filled with young, talented players that are ready to takeover the league by storm, and as Ja’Sean Tate, they are not going to be pushed around and are looking to show aggressiveness every time they step into the court. The Rockets lost Christian Wood, but they added two rookies that are ready to be part of an NBA rotation right away in Jabari Smith and Tari Eason, while also featuring veterans such as Eric Gordon, Tate and Derrick Favors that can provide solid minutes and value at the deadline. Still, this team will only go as far as the duo of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter can take it. The Rockets ended last season with a 20-62 record, good for last in the Western Conference.
Bulls and Heat Open Season in South Florida
The Chicago Bulls take on the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Wednesday night in the 2022-23 season opener for both teams.
The Bulls (46-36 in 2021-22) enter the new season looking to put last spring's highly disappointing and brief postseason run that ended with a first-round ouster in five games behind them. Chicago largely returns the same core that got it to that point, with the one significant offseason addition being veteran big man Andre Drummond. Otherwise, head coach Billy Donovan is hopeful the Big Four of Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic can eventually retake the floor as a unit for the first time since the early part of last season, but they'll first have to wait on Ball, whose recovery from early October knee surgery may ultimately cost him the entire season. In his stead, the likes of Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Goran Dragic will be asked to help fill the void at point guard.
In addition to Ball, the Bulls list LaVine (knee) as questionable and Caruso (calf) as probable on their first injury report of the regular season.
The Heat (53-29) were a Jimmy Butler three-pointer shy of potentially overtaking the Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference crown in June, and they'll also bring back all the main pieces that helped them nearly reach that lofty perch. Jimmy Butler will once again spearhead Miami's attack, with the likes of Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry expected to make important complementary contributions. One important change comes at the forward wing spot, which Butler will vacate in order to handle power forward duties in place of the departed P.J. Tucker. Caleb Martin will open the season as the starter at the three after a strong first season in South Florida that saw him shoot 50.7 percent, including 41.3 percent from behind the arc.
The Heat will be without Victor Oladipo (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) for Wednesday's game.
The Heat swept the four-game 2021-22 season series from the Bulls.
The Bulls (46-36 in 2021-22) enter the new season looking to put last spring's highly disappointing and brief postseason run that ended with a first-round ouster in five games behind them. Chicago largely returns the same core that got it to that point, with the one significant offseason addition being veteran big man Andre Drummond. Otherwise, head coach Billy Donovan is hopeful the Big Four of Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic can eventually retake the floor as a unit for the first time since the early part of last season, but they'll first have to wait on Ball, whose recovery from early October knee surgery may ultimately cost him the entire season. In his stead, the likes of Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Goran Dragic will be asked to help fill the void at point guard.
In addition to Ball, the Bulls list LaVine (knee) as questionable and Caruso (calf) as probable on their first injury report of the regular season.
The Heat (53-29) were a Jimmy Butler three-pointer shy of potentially overtaking the Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference crown in June, and they'll also bring back all the main pieces that helped them nearly reach that lofty perch. Jimmy Butler will once again spearhead Miami's attack, with the likes of Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry expected to make important complementary contributions. One important change comes at the forward wing spot, which Butler will vacate in order to handle power forward duties in place of the departed P.J. Tucker. Caleb Martin will open the season as the starter at the three after a strong first season in South Florida that saw him shoot 50.7 percent, including 41.3 percent from behind the arc.
The Heat will be without Victor Oladipo (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) for Wednesday's game.
The Heat swept the four-game 2021-22 season series from the Bulls.
Pelicans and Nets Open Season in Big Apple
The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Wednesday night in the 2022-23 regular-season opener for both teams.
The Pelicans (36-46 in 2021-22 season) have high hopes for the news season, with the strong expectations stemming from both their improvement last season and the long-awaited return of star big man Zion Williamson after he missed all of last season with a foot injury. New Orleans made noise beyond the regular season as well, besting the Spurs and Clippers in the play-in round before also taking two games from the Suns in the Western Conference quarterfinal. The Pelicans will surround Williamson with all of the key talent that got the team that far last season, as CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas and Herbert Jones are all back to form what should be a formidable starting five that could reach much greater heights in the coming campaign.
The Pelicans will be without Kira Lewis (knee) for Wednesday's contest. Jaxson Hayes (elbow) will carry a questionable tag.
The Nets (44-38 in 2021-22 season) will also be on a quest to notably improve on a profoundly disappointing 2021-22 season that began with sky-high expectations and ended with an ugly Eastern Conference first-round playoff sweep at the hands of the eventual conference champion Boston Celtics. After no shortage of talk surrounding his desire to play elsewhere, Kevin Durant mended fences with team brass and returns alongside Kyrie Irving, with the superstar duo set to be joined by Ben Simmons in his first action since the final game of the Sixers' semifinal-round series against Hawks back in June 2021. However, Brooklyn will start the season without two key complementary pieces, as Joe Harris and Seth Curry will be out to start the season as they finish getting back to full health from respective ankle issues.
The Nets will list Harris (ankle), Curry (ankle) and T.J. Warren (foot) as out for Wednesday's game.
The Nets swept the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Pelicans.
The Pelicans (36-46 in 2021-22 season) have high hopes for the news season, with the strong expectations stemming from both their improvement last season and the long-awaited return of star big man Zion Williamson after he missed all of last season with a foot injury. New Orleans made noise beyond the regular season as well, besting the Spurs and Clippers in the play-in round before also taking two games from the Suns in the Western Conference quarterfinal. The Pelicans will surround Williamson with all of the key talent that got the team that far last season, as CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas and Herbert Jones are all back to form what should be a formidable starting five that could reach much greater heights in the coming campaign.
The Pelicans will be without Kira Lewis (knee) for Wednesday's contest. Jaxson Hayes (elbow) will carry a questionable tag.
The Nets (44-38 in 2021-22 season) will also be on a quest to notably improve on a profoundly disappointing 2021-22 season that began with sky-high expectations and ended with an ugly Eastern Conference first-round playoff sweep at the hands of the eventual conference champion Boston Celtics. After no shortage of talk surrounding his desire to play elsewhere, Kevin Durant mended fences with team brass and returns alongside Kyrie Irving, with the superstar duo set to be joined by Ben Simmons in his first action since the final game of the Sixers' semifinal-round series against Hawks back in June 2021. However, Brooklyn will start the season without two key complementary pieces, as Joe Harris and Seth Curry will be out to start the season as they finish getting back to full health from respective ankle issues.
The Nets will list Harris (ankle), Curry (ankle) and T.J. Warren (foot) as out for Wednesday's game.
The Nets swept the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Pelicans.
Cavaliers and Raptors Open Season North of the Border
The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night in the regular-season opener for both teams.
The Cavaliers (44-38 in 2021-22 season) are considered one of the up and coming squads in either conference with good reason, considering Cleveland made a blockbuster trade for Donovan Mitchell that clearly demonstrates the team feels it's ready to vault into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. Mitchell joins a high-upside nucleus consisting of Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland was able to get into the play-in round last season before being eliminated with back-to-back losses, but they'll get an immediate litmus test to open the season against a Raptors squad that also has playoff aspirations.
The Cavaliers will be without Ricky Rubio (knee) and Dylan Windler (ankle) for Wednesday's opener.
The Raptors (48-34 in 2021-22 season) were able to parlay their solid regular-season record a year ago into a No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, but they were ousted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the conference playoffs. Toronto returns the same starting five of Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam, and they should continue to benefit from a solid second unit that includes productive holdovers Precious Achiuwa, Dalano Banton and Malachi Flynn.
The Raptors will be without Otto Porter (hamstring) for Wednesday's game. Khem Birch (knee) and Chris Boucher (hamstring) will carry doubtful tags.
The Cavaliers took three of four games from the Raptors during the 2021-22 regular season.
The Cavaliers (44-38 in 2021-22 season) are considered one of the up and coming squads in either conference with good reason, considering Cleveland made a blockbuster trade for Donovan Mitchell that clearly demonstrates the team feels it's ready to vault into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference. Mitchell joins a high-upside nucleus consisting of Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland was able to get into the play-in round last season before being eliminated with back-to-back losses, but they'll get an immediate litmus test to open the season against a Raptors squad that also has playoff aspirations.
The Cavaliers will be without Ricky Rubio (knee) and Dylan Windler (ankle) for Wednesday's opener.
The Raptors (48-34 in 2021-22 season) were able to parlay their solid regular-season record a year ago into a No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, but they were ousted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the conference playoffs. Toronto returns the same starting five of Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam, and they should continue to benefit from a solid second unit that includes productive holdovers Precious Achiuwa, Dalano Banton and Malachi Flynn.
The Raptors will be without Otto Porter (hamstring) for Wednesday's game. Khem Birch (knee) and Chris Boucher (hamstring) will carry doubtful tags.
The Cavaliers took three of four games from the Raptors during the 2021-22 regular season.
Grizzlies Kick Off Season Against Knicks
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the New York Knicks at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Grizzlies are looking to take the next step this season after their second-round exit in last year's playoffs. Ja Morant proved himself as one of the most effective and electrifying players in the league last season, as he averaged 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He is poised to lead the way again and should be even more of a problem for opposing defenses, as he enters his fourth NBA season. Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks (thigh) are back at the wing positions and offer the Grizzlies great perimeter shooting, however, Brooks could be sidelined for the season opener. Steven Adams will continue to start at center, while Jaren Jackson (foot) will be sidelined, leaving the starting power forward spot open for Santi Aldama. Brandon Clarke and Xavier Tillman will also be up for additional playing time in the frontcourt. Ziaire Williams (knee) and Danny Green (knee) are listed as out.
Meanwhile, the Knicks look forward to the debut of their new starting point guard, Jalen Brunson. Brunson averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game last season, emerging as a key contributor for the Mavs, as they reached the Western Conference Finals. Familiar stars, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle should be ready to lead the way once again, while Mitchell Robinson, Obi Toppin and Evan Fournier provide strong supporting play. Derrick Rose also provides the Knicks with a good offensive boost and veteran leadership coming off the bench. Quentin Grimes (foot) missed three preseason games before playing the preseason finale, but he will be sidelined once again for Wednesday's game.
The Grizzlies are looking to take the next step this season after their second-round exit in last year's playoffs. Ja Morant proved himself as one of the most effective and electrifying players in the league last season, as he averaged 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He is poised to lead the way again and should be even more of a problem for opposing defenses, as he enters his fourth NBA season. Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks (thigh) are back at the wing positions and offer the Grizzlies great perimeter shooting, however, Brooks could be sidelined for the season opener. Steven Adams will continue to start at center, while Jaren Jackson (foot) will be sidelined, leaving the starting power forward spot open for Santi Aldama. Brandon Clarke and Xavier Tillman will also be up for additional playing time in the frontcourt. Ziaire Williams (knee) and Danny Green (knee) are listed as out.
Meanwhile, the Knicks look forward to the debut of their new starting point guard, Jalen Brunson. Brunson averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game last season, emerging as a key contributor for the Mavs, as they reached the Western Conference Finals. Familiar stars, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle should be ready to lead the way once again, while Mitchell Robinson, Obi Toppin and Evan Fournier provide strong supporting play. Derrick Rose also provides the Knicks with a good offensive boost and veteran leadership coming off the bench. Quentin Grimes (foot) missed three preseason games before playing the preseason finale, but he will be sidelined once again for Wednesday's game.
New-Look Timberwolves Host Thunder
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The Timberwolves made a splash in the offseason by picking up defensive specialist, Rudy Gobert. The front court pairing of Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns could quickly become one of the most feared in the league, as they now have both an offensive and a defensive superstar to dominate the paint. D'Angelo Russell averaged 18.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.0 steals last season, but he was hampered by injuries, making the fresh start this season even more exciting. The Timberwolves also look forward to another step in the right direction for their budding superstar, Anthony Edwards, who put the league on notice last season, averaging 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The Timberwolves added good depth by picking up Kyle Anderson, who can provide solid defense and leadership off the bench.
On the other side, the Thunder are returning mostly the same lineup, as they look to continue developing their young core. Unfortunately, second-overall pick, Chet Holmgren (foot) picked up an injury in the offseason and is expected to miss the entire 2022-23 season. With Holmgren's absence, the Thunder will need to look to Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Darius Bazley to fill in extra minutes in the frontcourt. Aleksej Pokusevski is also in line to see a significant boost in playing time, as he showed an ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, averaging 7.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 20 minutes per game last season. Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remain the go-to core for the Thunder, as they have proven their ability to carry the team on various nights.
The Timberwolves made a splash in the offseason by picking up defensive specialist, Rudy Gobert. The front court pairing of Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns could quickly become one of the most feared in the league, as they now have both an offensive and a defensive superstar to dominate the paint. D'Angelo Russell averaged 18.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.0 steals last season, but he was hampered by injuries, making the fresh start this season even more exciting. The Timberwolves also look forward to another step in the right direction for their budding superstar, Anthony Edwards, who put the league on notice last season, averaging 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The Timberwolves added good depth by picking up Kyle Anderson, who can provide solid defense and leadership off the bench.
On the other side, the Thunder are returning mostly the same lineup, as they look to continue developing their young core. Unfortunately, second-overall pick, Chet Holmgren (foot) picked up an injury in the offseason and is expected to miss the entire 2022-23 season. With Holmgren's absence, the Thunder will need to look to Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Darius Bazley to fill in extra minutes in the frontcourt. Aleksej Pokusevski is also in line to see a significant boost in playing time, as he showed an ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, averaging 7.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 20 minutes per game last season. Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remain the go-to core for the Thunder, as they have proven their ability to carry the team on various nights.
Young Spurs Host Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Charlotte Hornets at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening.
The Spurs are in for another tough season for their young group. With the departure of last year's star, Dejounte Murray, the Spurs have handed the keys to 22-year old point guard, Tre Jones. Devin Vassell showed impressive progress last season, averaging 12.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 27 minutes per game, and he should be ready to take another step in a larger role this season. Rookie, Jeremy Sochan, Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson will have plenty of minutes to share at the small forward position. Keldon Johnson showed some flashes of brilliance last season, averaging 17.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, and he will likely be a major focal point of the team again this season. At the center position, Jakob Poeltl will continue to hold it down, while Zach Collins and Isaiah Roby provide backup.
On the other side, the Hornets did not make many changes in the offseason, aside from picking up Dennis Smith Jr. and Theo Maledon to provide support at the point. Unfortunately, LaMelo Ball (ankle) picked up an injury in preseason play and will remain out through Wednesday's game, meaning Smith Jr. and Maledon could see a boost in their role right off the bat. However, the Hornets have a lot of depth at the wings, including Terry Rozier, who can also run the point, while Kelly Oubre and Cody Martin can slide in to cover the shooting guard position. Gordon Hayward is set to begin the season after missing extended time in the final months of last season. The Hornets continue to look to Mason Plumlee at center, while they may also go small at times with P.J. Washington playing the middle.
The Spurs are in for another tough season for their young group. With the departure of last year's star, Dejounte Murray, the Spurs have handed the keys to 22-year old point guard, Tre Jones. Devin Vassell showed impressive progress last season, averaging 12.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 27 minutes per game, and he should be ready to take another step in a larger role this season. Rookie, Jeremy Sochan, Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson will have plenty of minutes to share at the small forward position. Keldon Johnson showed some flashes of brilliance last season, averaging 17.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, and he will likely be a major focal point of the team again this season. At the center position, Jakob Poeltl will continue to hold it down, while Zach Collins and Isaiah Roby provide backup.
On the other side, the Hornets did not make many changes in the offseason, aside from picking up Dennis Smith Jr. and Theo Maledon to provide support at the point. Unfortunately, LaMelo Ball (ankle) picked up an injury in preseason play and will remain out through Wednesday's game, meaning Smith Jr. and Maledon could see a boost in their role right off the bat. However, the Hornets have a lot of depth at the wings, including Terry Rozier, who can also run the point, while Kelly Oubre and Cody Martin can slide in to cover the shooting guard position. Gordon Hayward is set to begin the season after missing extended time in the final months of last season. The Hornets continue to look to Mason Plumlee at center, while they may also go small at times with P.J. Washington playing the middle.
Jazz Host Nuggets in Opener
The Denver Nuggets travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
The Nuggets are one of the most enticing teams in the NBA. They have the two-time MVP in Nikola Jokic and finally have Michael Porter and Jamal Murray both fully healthy. Those guys missed all of last season, and it's scary to think that the best player in the NBA is adding two All-Star caliber players around him. That's not the only thing Denver did, though, adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown as well. Those might not sound like huge moves, but it gives them a wing presence they've been missing in past seasons. All of that has the Nuggets as many experts pick to make it out of the west, and it'll be fun to see how things play out with all of these new pieces.
The Jazz have been one of the most consistent teams over the last three decades, but it looks like they're in the midst of a rebuild. It all started with a rough playoff loss back in May, leading to Quin Snyder stepping down as the head coach. That was the feather that started the avalanche, with Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Rudy Gobert all traded in the offseason. That's the core that landed this team the best record just two years ago, and sadly, Utah fans have to see this thing blown up. With that said, some good young players were acquired in those deals. Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and Malik Beasley look like the new core, and it'll be interesting to see how far they fall.
Despite these teams headed in different directions, Utah swept the four-game series over Denver last year.
The Nuggets are one of the most enticing teams in the NBA. They have the two-time MVP in Nikola Jokic and finally have Michael Porter and Jamal Murray both fully healthy. Those guys missed all of last season, and it's scary to think that the best player in the NBA is adding two All-Star caliber players around him. That's not the only thing Denver did, though, adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown as well. Those might not sound like huge moves, but it gives them a wing presence they've been missing in past seasons. All of that has the Nuggets as many experts pick to make it out of the west, and it'll be fun to see how things play out with all of these new pieces.
The Jazz have been one of the most consistent teams over the last three decades, but it looks like they're in the midst of a rebuild. It all started with a rough playoff loss back in May, leading to Quin Snyder stepping down as the head coach. That was the feather that started the avalanche, with Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Rudy Gobert all traded in the offseason. That's the core that landed this team the best record just two years ago, and sadly, Utah fans have to see this thing blown up. With that said, some good young players were acquired in those deals. Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and Malik Beasley look like the new core, and it'll be interesting to see how far they fall.
Despite these teams headed in different directions, Utah swept the four-game series over Denver last year.
Suns Host Mavs in Opener
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
The Mavericks were one of the biggest surprises last season when they reached the Western Conference Finals. They did end up losing to the eventual champs but getting that far shows how much this team has developed. Luka Doncic is the straw that stirs the drink, averaging 31.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in that 2021 campaign. He's actually averaged at least 31 points in each of his first three years, and he truly looks like one of the best players in the league at 23 years old. The Mavericks have been doing everything possible to build around this guy, adding Christian Wood in the offseason. This team has been desperate for a legitimate big man, and it looks even better since Tim Hardaway Jr is also returning.
The Suns appear to be headed in the wrong direction. They lost the NBA Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks two years ago and were knocked out by these Mavs in the Western Conference Semis last year. Making it that far is an accomplishment, but it's never good to see the ticker trending in the wrong direction. It becomes even more concerning since Chris Paul is aging every year, especially since the Deandre Ayton situation continues to look ugly. The big man appears to be unhappy in a Phoenix uniform, and it's even more bizarre since he signed an extension. This team has all the talent to finish with the best record in the west, but all the indicators for the upcoming season are ominous signs.
The most recent meeting between these teams was epic. Dallas went into Phoenix and handed the Suns a 123-90 beatdown in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals. With that said, Phoenix has won nine straight regular-season matchups with Dallas.
The Mavericks were one of the biggest surprises last season when they reached the Western Conference Finals. They did end up losing to the eventual champs but getting that far shows how much this team has developed. Luka Doncic is the straw that stirs the drink, averaging 31.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in that 2021 campaign. He's actually averaged at least 31 points in each of his first three years, and he truly looks like one of the best players in the league at 23 years old. The Mavericks have been doing everything possible to build around this guy, adding Christian Wood in the offseason. This team has been desperate for a legitimate big man, and it looks even better since Tim Hardaway Jr is also returning.
The Suns appear to be headed in the wrong direction. They lost the NBA Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks two years ago and were knocked out by these Mavs in the Western Conference Semis last year. Making it that far is an accomplishment, but it's never good to see the ticker trending in the wrong direction. It becomes even more concerning since Chris Paul is aging every year, especially since the Deandre Ayton situation continues to look ugly. The big man appears to be unhappy in a Phoenix uniform, and it's even more bizarre since he signed an extension. This team has all the talent to finish with the best record in the west, but all the indicators for the upcoming season are ominous signs.
The most recent meeting between these teams was epic. Dallas went into Phoenix and handed the Suns a 123-90 beatdown in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals. With that said, Phoenix has won nine straight regular-season matchups with Dallas.
Kings Host Trail Blazers in Opener
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
The Trail Blazers completely collapsed last season, finishing that nightmarish year with 27 wins. That led to a C.J. McCollum trade, but this roster still looks dangerous. Damian Lillard is expected to be fully healthy for the first time in years, and this club also added Jerami Grant in the offseason. That guy was an All-Star in his days with Detroit, and he should make a good pairing with Jusuf Nurkic in the frontcourt. They also acquired Josh Hart in that McCollum deal and have a blossoming Anfernee Simons joining Dame in the backcourt. That's the starting unit this club will ride or die with, and it'll be interesting to see how things play out.
The Kings have been one of the worst teams in the NBA for 20 years now, but the tide appears to be changing. They acquired Domantas Sabonis in the Tyrese Haliburton trade and are looking to build around De'Aaron Fox as well. Those two are All-Star caliber players, and they're looking to get more from youngsters like Davion Mitchell and Keegan Murray. What could change things for this club is a bounce-back season from Richaun Holmes. The big man has proven to be a beast when given an opportunity, and a resurgent season from him could be just what the doctor ordered. It's unclear how it'll play out, but this is a team to watch in the Western Conference.
These teams played three times last season, with Sacramento winning two of three. With that said, Portland has dominated this series historically, owning a 139-83 record against the Kings.
The Trail Blazers completely collapsed last season, finishing that nightmarish year with 27 wins. That led to a C.J. McCollum trade, but this roster still looks dangerous. Damian Lillard is expected to be fully healthy for the first time in years, and this club also added Jerami Grant in the offseason. That guy was an All-Star in his days with Detroit, and he should make a good pairing with Jusuf Nurkic in the frontcourt. They also acquired Josh Hart in that McCollum deal and have a blossoming Anfernee Simons joining Dame in the backcourt. That's the starting unit this club will ride or die with, and it'll be interesting to see how things play out.
The Kings have been one of the worst teams in the NBA for 20 years now, but the tide appears to be changing. They acquired Domantas Sabonis in the Tyrese Haliburton trade and are looking to build around De'Aaron Fox as well. Those two are All-Star caliber players, and they're looking to get more from youngsters like Davion Mitchell and Keegan Murray. What could change things for this club is a bounce-back season from Richaun Holmes. The big man has proven to be a beast when given an opportunity, and a resurgent season from him could be just what the doctor ordered. It's unclear how it'll play out, but this is a team to watch in the Western Conference.
These teams played three times last season, with Sacramento winning two of three. With that said, Portland has dominated this series historically, owning a 139-83 record against the Kings.