Pacers, Spurs Aiming To Shake Off Losses
The Indiana Pacers will host the San Antonio Spurs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Pacers (0-1) kicked off their season with a loss against the Washington Wizards, but it was also a game in which they lost Myles Turner due to an ankle injury. During the defeat, Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 26 points and seven assists, while Buddy Hield ended with 16 points and 10 rebounds while also notching three assists. Jalen Smith posted 16 points and eight rebounds, but no other starter posted double-digit scoring numbers for Indiana. Benedict Mathurin, Indiana's prized rookie, ended with 19 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals.
Aside from Turner, Daniel Theis (knee) has also been ruled out, while Aaron Nesmith (foot) and Jalen Smith (knee) have been tabbed as game-time decisions.
The Spurs (0-1) also started the season with a loss, as they suffered a 129-102 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Keldon Johnson led the rebuilding Spurs with 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jakob Poeltl finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Tre Jones tallied 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Doug McDermott chipped in 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting off the bench. This is expected to be a long season for a Spurs team filled with young players and a few veterans that are likely to be flipped near the trade deadline.
The Spurs sport a clean bill of health ahead of this matchup.
The Pacers (0-1) kicked off their season with a loss against the Washington Wizards, but it was also a game in which they lost Myles Turner due to an ankle injury. During the defeat, Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 26 points and seven assists, while Buddy Hield ended with 16 points and 10 rebounds while also notching three assists. Jalen Smith posted 16 points and eight rebounds, but no other starter posted double-digit scoring numbers for Indiana. Benedict Mathurin, Indiana's prized rookie, ended with 19 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals.
Aside from Turner, Daniel Theis (knee) has also been ruled out, while Aaron Nesmith (foot) and Jalen Smith (knee) have been tabbed as game-time decisions.
The Spurs (0-1) also started the season with a loss, as they suffered a 129-102 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Keldon Johnson led the rebuilding Spurs with 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jakob Poeltl finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Tre Jones tallied 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Doug McDermott chipped in 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting off the bench. This is expected to be a long season for a Spurs team filled with young players and a few veterans that are likely to be flipped near the trade deadline.
The Spurs sport a clean bill of health ahead of this matchup.
Bulls, Wizards Aiming To Start Winning Runs
The Washington Wizards will host the Chicago Bulls at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (1-0) started the season with a win over the Indiana Pacers, in a game where the duo of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis showed moments of brilliance. Beal was the best performer for the Wizards after scoring 23 points while adding six assists and five rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma posted a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Porzingis recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds, but he also added three assists and two blocks. Will Barton and Daniel Gafford were solid off the bench, as they ended with 17 points and 12 points, respectively, though Gafford left the game injured.
The Wizards are listing Deni Avdija (ankle) as a game-time decision, but recent reports have indicated he is likely to start. Vernon Carey (concussion) is also questionable, while Corey Kispert (ankle) is out.
The Bulls (1-0) kicked off their season with a strong win over the Heat despite the fact neither Zach LaVine nor Lonzo Ball played due to injuries. In their absence, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 37 points, supplementing them with nine assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Ayo Dosunmu turned in 17 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 15-point, 17-rebound double-double that included two assists and three blocks. Goran Dragic supplied 12 points, two assists and two steals in 19 minutes off the bench.
LaVine and Ball have been ruled out due to knee injuries, while Justin Lewis (knee) has already been ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Wizards (1-0) started the season with a win over the Indiana Pacers, in a game where the duo of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis showed moments of brilliance. Beal was the best performer for the Wizards after scoring 23 points while adding six assists and five rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma posted a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Porzingis recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds, but he also added three assists and two blocks. Will Barton and Daniel Gafford were solid off the bench, as they ended with 17 points and 12 points, respectively, though Gafford left the game injured.
The Wizards are listing Deni Avdija (ankle) as a game-time decision, but recent reports have indicated he is likely to start. Vernon Carey (concussion) is also questionable, while Corey Kispert (ankle) is out.
The Bulls (1-0) kicked off their season with a strong win over the Heat despite the fact neither Zach LaVine nor Lonzo Ball played due to injuries. In their absence, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 37 points, supplementing them with nine assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Ayo Dosunmu turned in 17 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 15-point, 17-rebound double-double that included two assists and three blocks. Goran Dragic supplied 12 points, two assists and two steals in 19 minutes off the bench.
LaVine and Ball have been ruled out due to knee injuries, while Justin Lewis (knee) has already been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Pelicans Visit Hornets Aiming For Another Victory
The Charlotte Hornets will host the New Orleans Pelicans at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Hornets (1-0) kicked off their season with a win over the San Antonio Spurs. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting, six rebounds, six assists and a block. Gordon Hayward followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. Nick Richards added 19 points, 10 rebounds and a block, while P.J. Washington finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Cody Martin (quadriceps) has been tabbed as a game-time decision, while LaMelo Ball (ankle) has already been ruled out, though his progress is being monitored on a game-to-game basis.
The Pelicans (1-0) pulled perhaps the biggest upset of Wednesday night, as they defeated the Brooklyn Nets by a 130-108 score. Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and one steal. Williamson delivered 25 points, nine boards, three assists and four steals in 30 minutes. CJ McCollum supplied 21 points, six assists, four boards and three steals. Trey Murphy furnished 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. It was an excellent performance for New Orleans and perhaps a sign of things to come for them.
Jaxson Hayes (elbow) has been listed as a game-time decision, while Kira Lewis (knee) and E.J. Liddell (knee) are both out.
The Hornets (1-0) kicked off their season with a win over the San Antonio Spurs. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting, six rebounds, six assists and a block. Gordon Hayward followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. Nick Richards added 19 points, 10 rebounds and a block, while P.J. Washington finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Cody Martin (quadriceps) has been tabbed as a game-time decision, while LaMelo Ball (ankle) has already been ruled out, though his progress is being monitored on a game-to-game basis.
The Pelicans (1-0) pulled perhaps the biggest upset of Wednesday night, as they defeated the Brooklyn Nets by a 130-108 score. Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and one steal. Williamson delivered 25 points, nine boards, three assists and four steals in 30 minutes. CJ McCollum supplied 21 points, six assists, four boards and three steals. Trey Murphy furnished 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. It was an excellent performance for New Orleans and perhaps a sign of things to come for them.
Jaxson Hayes (elbow) has been listed as a game-time decision, while Kira Lewis (knee) and E.J. Liddell (knee) are both out.
Magic and Hawks Set for Peach State Battle
The Orlando Magic takes on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Friday night.
The Magic (0-1) opened the new season with a hotly-contested, narrow 113-109 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena. Top overall pick Paolo Banchero led the way for Orlando with 27 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Jalen Suggs delivered 21 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Franz Wagner supplied 20 points, five assists and four rebounds. Terrence Ross totaled 13 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Wendell Carter Jr. generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
The Magic are expected to remain without Gary Harris (knee), Markelle Fultz (toe), Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) and Moritz Wagner (ankle) for Friday's game. Cole Anthony (illness) will carry a questionable tag.
The Hawks (1-0) were able to get the new campaign started in positive fashion Wednesday night, as they outlasted the Houston Rockets, 117-107. John Collins led the Hawks with 24 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. Trae Young posted a 23-point, 13-assist double-double that included three rebounds, one steal and one block. DeAndre Hunter delivered 22 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Dejounte Murray registered 20 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, five steals and one block in a dynamic team debut.
The Hawks will remain without Bogdan Bogdanovic (kneecap) for Friday's game.
The Hawks won the 2021-22 regular-season series with the Magic by a 3-1 margin.
The Magic (0-1) opened the new season with a hotly-contested, narrow 113-109 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena. Top overall pick Paolo Banchero led the way for Orlando with 27 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Jalen Suggs delivered 21 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Franz Wagner supplied 20 points, five assists and four rebounds. Terrence Ross totaled 13 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Wendell Carter Jr. generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
The Magic are expected to remain without Gary Harris (knee), Markelle Fultz (toe), Jonathan Isaac (hamstring) and Moritz Wagner (ankle) for Friday's game. Cole Anthony (illness) will carry a questionable tag.
The Hawks (1-0) were able to get the new campaign started in positive fashion Wednesday night, as they outlasted the Houston Rockets, 117-107. John Collins led the Hawks with 24 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. Trae Young posted a 23-point, 13-assist double-double that included three rebounds, one steal and one block. DeAndre Hunter delivered 22 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Dejounte Murray registered 20 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, five steals and one block in a dynamic team debut.
The Hawks will remain without Bogdan Bogdanovic (kneecap) for Friday's game.
The Hawks won the 2021-22 regular-season series with the Magic by a 3-1 margin.
Celtics and Heat Clash in South Florida
The Boston Celtics take on the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Friday night.
The Celtics (1-0) began defense of their Eastern Conference championship in fine fashion on Tuesday night, defeating the division-rival 76ers by a 126-117 margin. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown fittingly co-led the Celtics with 35 points apiece, with Tatum adding 12 rebounds and four assists and Brown supplying three boards, two assists and two steals among his non-scoring contributions. Malcolm Brogdon registered 16 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Grant Williams poured in 15 points, while Marcus Smart provided 14 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Celtics will remain without Robert Williams (knee) for Friday's game.
The Heat (0-1) began another season of lofty expectations with a thud, as they surprisingly dropped a 116-108 decision at home to the short-handed Chicago Bulls, who played without Zach LaVine (knee), on Wednesday night. Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 24 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tyler Herro delivered 23 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Max Strus registered 22 points, seven rebounds and one assist in 31 minutes off the bench. Bam Adebayo compiled 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Dewayne Dedmon finished with 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Heat will remain without Victor Oladipo (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics won the 2021-22 regular-season series with Heat by a 2-1 margin before recording a 4-3 series victory in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Celtics (1-0) began defense of their Eastern Conference championship in fine fashion on Tuesday night, defeating the division-rival 76ers by a 126-117 margin. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown fittingly co-led the Celtics with 35 points apiece, with Tatum adding 12 rebounds and four assists and Brown supplying three boards, two assists and two steals among his non-scoring contributions. Malcolm Brogdon registered 16 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Grant Williams poured in 15 points, while Marcus Smart provided 14 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Celtics will remain without Robert Williams (knee) for Friday's game.
The Heat (0-1) began another season of lofty expectations with a thud, as they surprisingly dropped a 116-108 decision at home to the short-handed Chicago Bulls, who played without Zach LaVine (knee), on Wednesday night. Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 24 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tyler Herro delivered 23 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Max Strus registered 22 points, seven rebounds and one assist in 31 minutes off the bench. Bam Adebayo compiled 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Dewayne Dedmon finished with 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Heat will remain without Victor Oladipo (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics won the 2021-22 regular-season series with Heat by a 2-1 margin before recording a 4-3 series victory in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Raptors and Nets Clash in Big Apple
The Toronto Raptors take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Raptors (1-0) got another season with playoff aspirations started in positive fashion Wednesday night, as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 108-105, in the season opener for both teams. Pascal Siakam spearheaded a productive night for the Raptors' starting five with 23 points, adding 11 rebounds, one assist and four steals. Gary Trent supplied 19 points, five boards and one steal. OG Anunoby turned in 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet posted 15 points apiece, with Barnes adding seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block and Van Vleet tallying five assists, two rebounds and four steals. Achiuwa managed 10 points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Raptors will list Chris Boucher (hamstring) and Khem Birch (knee) as questionable for Friday's game. Otto Porter (hamstring) will remain out.
The Nets (0-1), in contrast to Toronto, got their season off to a worrisome start in light of last season's underachieving campaign, as they were trampled by the New Orleans Pelicans, 130-108 at Barclays Center on Wednesday night. Kevin Durant led the Nets with 32 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists, four blocks and steal. Patty Mills poured in 16 points. Kyrie Irving netted 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals. Nicolas Claxton turned in a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Royce O'Neale totaled 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Ben Simmons, logging his first game action in well over a year, contributed just four points, five rebounds and five assists in 23 minutes before fouling out.
The Nets will remain without Seth Curry (ankle) and T.J. Warren (foot) for Friday's contest. Joe Harris (ankle) will be listed as probable to make his season debut.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The two squads split the four-game season series during the 2021-22 campaign.
The Raptors (1-0) got another season with playoff aspirations started in positive fashion Wednesday night, as they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 108-105, in the season opener for both teams. Pascal Siakam spearheaded a productive night for the Raptors' starting five with 23 points, adding 11 rebounds, one assist and four steals. Gary Trent supplied 19 points, five boards and one steal. OG Anunoby turned in 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet posted 15 points apiece, with Barnes adding seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block and Van Vleet tallying five assists, two rebounds and four steals. Achiuwa managed 10 points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Raptors will list Chris Boucher (hamstring) and Khem Birch (knee) as questionable for Friday's game. Otto Porter (hamstring) will remain out.
The Nets (0-1), in contrast to Toronto, got their season off to a worrisome start in light of last season's underachieving campaign, as they were trampled by the New Orleans Pelicans, 130-108 at Barclays Center on Wednesday night. Kevin Durant led the Nets with 32 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists, four blocks and steal. Patty Mills poured in 16 points. Kyrie Irving netted 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals. Nicolas Claxton turned in a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Royce O'Neale totaled 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Ben Simmons, logging his first game action in well over a year, contributed just four points, five rebounds and five assists in 23 minutes before fouling out.
The Nets will remain without Seth Curry (ankle) and T.J. Warren (foot) for Friday's contest. Joe Harris (ankle) will be listed as probable to make his season debut.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The two squads split the four-game season series during the 2021-22 campaign.
Knicks Look To Bounce Back In Home-Opener
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks play host to the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on Friday evening.
The Knicks (0-1) are coming off a hard-fought season-opener in Memphis, where they tied it up late in the fourth, before falling short by three points in overtime. Julius Randle led the way with 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals, before fouling out of the game. Cam Reddish followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, three steals and a block, while Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a block. The Knicks will have to shake off the loss and come out strong for their home fans, as they take the floor for their home-opener. RJ Barrett finished with just 11 points on 3-of-18 shooting, as he had an off night on Wednesday, but he should be ready to bounce back towards his 20 points-per-game average from last season. Quentin Grimes (foot) is expected to remain sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (1-0) earned an impressive win in their season/home-opener on Wednesday. New addition, Bojan Bogdanovic, led the way in the win with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. Cade Cunningham totaled 18 points, 10 assists and a steal, while Jaden Ivey tallied 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals. Saddiq Bey took just five shot attempts in the game, but he showed last season that he can take the lead on offense, if needed. Jalen Duren had a strong debut, as he finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, in 21 minutes off the bench. Marvin Bagley (knee), Alec Burks (foot) and Isaiah Livers (hip) will remain sidelined, which will result in more opportunity for Duren and Ivey to flourish.
The Knicks (0-1) are coming off a hard-fought season-opener in Memphis, where they tied it up late in the fourth, before falling short by three points in overtime. Julius Randle led the way with 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals, before fouling out of the game. Cam Reddish followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, three steals and a block, while Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a block. The Knicks will have to shake off the loss and come out strong for their home fans, as they take the floor for their home-opener. RJ Barrett finished with just 11 points on 3-of-18 shooting, as he had an off night on Wednesday, but he should be ready to bounce back towards his 20 points-per-game average from last season. Quentin Grimes (foot) is expected to remain sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (1-0) earned an impressive win in their season/home-opener on Wednesday. New addition, Bojan Bogdanovic, led the way in the win with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. Cade Cunningham totaled 18 points, 10 assists and a steal, while Jaden Ivey tallied 19 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals. Saddiq Bey took just five shot attempts in the game, but he showed last season that he can take the lead on offense, if needed. Jalen Duren had a strong debut, as he finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, in 21 minutes off the bench. Marvin Bagley (knee), Alec Burks (foot) and Isaiah Livers (hip) will remain sidelined, which will result in more opportunity for Duren and Ivey to flourish.
Rockets Host Grizzlies In Home Opener
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The Rockets (0-1) are coming off a loss in their season-opener, as they fell short by 10 points against the Hawks. On the plus side, they had five players score in double digits, led by Kevin Porter, who totaled 21 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jabari Smith showed out in his debut, with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Jalen Green added 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Tari Eason turned in eight points and seven rebounds, in 15 minutes off the bench in his debut. The Rockets remain without Jae'Sean Tate (ankle) and TyTy Washington (knee), while Daishen Nix (back) is listed as questionable for action. The young squad faces a tougher opponent than they did in Detroit, but they have the advantage of a benevolent atmosphere in their home-opener.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (1-0) are coming off a tough win over the Knicks in their season-opener. The Grizzlies led by 15 points at halftime, but they let their guard down and were forced to solve things in overtime, where they won by three. Ja Morant led the way with 34 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 18 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Desmond Bane added 16 points, four rebounds, six assists and a block. The Grizzlies were without Danny Green (knee), Jaren Jackson (foot), Dillon Brooks (thigh) and Ziaire Williams (knee) on Wednesday, but Brooks and Williams are questionable for action on Friday, while Jackson and Green remain out. Santi Aldama will continue to see a boost in his role, along with added opportunity for Brandon Clarke and Xavier Tillman.
The Rockets (0-1) are coming off a loss in their season-opener, as they fell short by 10 points against the Hawks. On the plus side, they had five players score in double digits, led by Kevin Porter, who totaled 21 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jabari Smith showed out in his debut, with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Jalen Green added 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Tari Eason turned in eight points and seven rebounds, in 15 minutes off the bench in his debut. The Rockets remain without Jae'Sean Tate (ankle) and TyTy Washington (knee), while Daishen Nix (back) is listed as questionable for action. The young squad faces a tougher opponent than they did in Detroit, but they have the advantage of a benevolent atmosphere in their home-opener.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (1-0) are coming off a tough win over the Knicks in their season-opener. The Grizzlies led by 15 points at halftime, but they let their guard down and were forced to solve things in overtime, where they won by three. Ja Morant led the way with 34 points, four rebounds, nine assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Santi Aldama followed up with 18 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Desmond Bane added 16 points, four rebounds, six assists and a block. The Grizzlies were without Danny Green (knee), Jaren Jackson (foot), Dillon Brooks (thigh) and Ziaire Williams (knee) on Wednesday, but Brooks and Williams are questionable for action on Friday, while Jackson and Green remain out. Santi Aldama will continue to see a boost in his role, along with added opportunity for Brandon Clarke and Xavier Tillman.
Gobert, Timberwolves Host Jazz
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Utah Jazz at Target Center on Friday evening.
The Timberwolves (1-0) are coming off a tough win in their home-opener against the Thunder. Despite slow nights from anticipated stars, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves were propelled by their major offseason acquisition, Rudy Gobert. Gobert led the way with 23 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, as he dazzled his new home fans with some big plays. D'Angelo Russell added 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Jaden McDaniels tallied 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. The Timberwolves should come out looking a lot better once Towns and Edwards find their groove. However, the matchup against his old team may bring some extra jitters for Gobert.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (1-0) are coming off an impressive win over the Nuggets in their home-opener on Wednesday. Despite the impression that without Gobert and Mitchell, the Jazz would be an easy target this season, they stunned the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets with a 123-102 blowout. Seven players scored in double digits for the Jazz, led by new addition, Collin Sexton, who totaled 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting, five rebounds and two assists in just 20 minutes off the bench. Lauri Markkanen also excelled in his debut, with 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Rudy Gay added 16 points, two assists and a steal. The Jazz will look to carry their stellar play onto the road, as they take on another high-tier opponent. Udoka Azubuike (ankle) missed the last game and is questionable for action on Friday.
The Timberwolves (1-0) are coming off a tough win in their home-opener against the Thunder. Despite slow nights from anticipated stars, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves were propelled by their major offseason acquisition, Rudy Gobert. Gobert led the way with 23 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, as he dazzled his new home fans with some big plays. D'Angelo Russell added 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Jaden McDaniels tallied 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. The Timberwolves should come out looking a lot better once Towns and Edwards find their groove. However, the matchup against his old team may bring some extra jitters for Gobert.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (1-0) are coming off an impressive win over the Nuggets in their home-opener on Wednesday. Despite the impression that without Gobert and Mitchell, the Jazz would be an easy target this season, they stunned the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets with a 123-102 blowout. Seven players scored in double digits for the Jazz, led by new addition, Collin Sexton, who totaled 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting, five rebounds and two assists in just 20 minutes off the bench. Lauri Markkanen also excelled in his debut, with 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Rudy Gay added 16 points, two assists and a steal. The Jazz will look to carry their stellar play onto the road, as they take on another high-tier opponent. Udoka Azubuike (ankle) missed the last game and is questionable for action on Friday.
Warriors Host Nuggets on Friday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center on Friday.
The Nuggets (0-1) were many experts pick in the preseason to make it out of the west, but they responded with the worst performance on opening night. Denver was supposed to have an easy win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, but the rebuilding team bombarded the Nuggets with a 123-102 win. Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray made their returns in that defeat, but both of those studs struggled. Nikola Jokic was his MVP self, though, tallying 27 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals on 12-of-17 shooting. They also got 22 points and 10 boards from Aaron Gordon, so it's up to those returning players to carry the rest of the load.
The Warriors (1-0) shocked the NBA world with a 2022 crown, and this looks like the same old dynasty. This team has won four championships over the last eight years, doing all of that damage with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. That's how champions are built, but it's even more impressive since they're rebuilding every year. Adding Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole has taken some of the load off of The Splash Brothers, and it's fun watching this team dominate on the offensive end. They certainly did that in the opener, handing the Los Angeles Lakers a 123-109 beatdown on Tuesday night. Not many people are picking this team to repeat, but that looks like the safest bet at this point.
These teams played four times last season, with Denver winning three of four. Two of those were in Golden State.
The Nuggets (0-1) were many experts pick in the preseason to make it out of the west, but they responded with the worst performance on opening night. Denver was supposed to have an easy win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, but the rebuilding team bombarded the Nuggets with a 123-102 win. Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray made their returns in that defeat, but both of those studs struggled. Nikola Jokic was his MVP self, though, tallying 27 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals on 12-of-17 shooting. They also got 22 points and 10 boards from Aaron Gordon, so it's up to those returning players to carry the rest of the load.
The Warriors (1-0) shocked the NBA world with a 2022 crown, and this looks like the same old dynasty. This team has won four championships over the last eight years, doing all of that damage with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. That's how champions are built, but it's even more impressive since they're rebuilding every year. Adding Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole has taken some of the load off of The Splash Brothers, and it's fun watching this team dominate on the offensive end. They certainly did that in the opener, handing the Los Angeles Lakers a 123-109 beatdown on Tuesday night. Not many people are picking this team to repeat, but that looks like the safest bet at this point.
These teams played four times last season, with Denver winning three of four. Two of those were in Golden State.
Blazers Host Suns on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center on Friday.
The Suns (1-0) shocked the NBA world with 64 wins last season, but everyone was panicking about them in the offseason after a Western Conference Semifinals loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Fortunately for the Suns, they had a matchup with the Mavs in their home opener and pulled off a massive comeback. They trailed by 20 points in that win, riding a 62-43 second half to that revenge performance. What was strange about the win was the fact that Chris Paul was on the bench in the fourth quarter. The reasoning for that benching is unclear but making one shot probably had something to do with it. That looks even more bizarre since Deandre Ayton has some animosity toward the organization as well, and it'll be interesting to see how things play out.
The Trail Blazers (1-0) were one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA last season, but this is a new year. Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic are healthy, and this new-look lineup looks dangerous. Anfernee Simons developed in Lillard's time away, while Jerami Grant and Josh Hart bring a new presence to the starting lineup. It's still sad to see C.J. McCollum playing elsewhere, but this team could be a threat if all five of those guys stay healthy. They did work in the opener, finishing on a 10-2 run to grab a narrow road win against the Sacramento Kings. Four of those guys scored at least 19 points in that victory, showing just how dynamic they can be.
Phoenix has dominated this series over recent years, winning six of seven since the start of 2021. With that said, Portland won 12 of 14 before that.
The Suns (1-0) shocked the NBA world with 64 wins last season, but everyone was panicking about them in the offseason after a Western Conference Semifinals loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Fortunately for the Suns, they had a matchup with the Mavs in their home opener and pulled off a massive comeback. They trailed by 20 points in that win, riding a 62-43 second half to that revenge performance. What was strange about the win was the fact that Chris Paul was on the bench in the fourth quarter. The reasoning for that benching is unclear but making one shot probably had something to do with it. That looks even more bizarre since Deandre Ayton has some animosity toward the organization as well, and it'll be interesting to see how things play out.
The Trail Blazers (1-0) were one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA last season, but this is a new year. Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic are healthy, and this new-look lineup looks dangerous. Anfernee Simons developed in Lillard's time away, while Jerami Grant and Josh Hart bring a new presence to the starting lineup. It's still sad to see C.J. McCollum playing elsewhere, but this team could be a threat if all five of those guys stay healthy. They did work in the opener, finishing on a 10-2 run to grab a narrow road win against the Sacramento Kings. Four of those guys scored at least 19 points in that victory, showing just how dynamic they can be.
Phoenix has dominated this series over recent years, winning six of seven since the start of 2021. With that said, Portland won 12 of 14 before that.