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Boston Celtics @ New Orleans Pelicans
After making the playoffs last season, both the Celtics and the Pelicans haven’t gotten off to the start most expected they would. New Orleans has been hammered by injuries while Boston has been sporadic. Even with highly touted two-way force, Anthony Davis, the Pels have been mediocre on offense (15th - ORtg) and collegiate on defense (30th - DRtg). In comparison, the C’s have also been mediocre on offense (14th) while being suffocating on D (4th). With both teams in the top 10 in pace, expect a fun game to kick off your NBA week.
Golden State Warriors @ Indiana Pacers
The road trip continues for the Warriors as they make their way to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to matchup with Paul George and the Pacers. Indiana’s pace-and-space along with PG13 firmly in the MVP discussion has elevated the Pacers to a contender in the East. Even with the Pacers surprising folks, the bigger surprise may be the defending champs. Golden State is 22-0 and Stephen Curry is lighting the NBA on fire. Even my dad, who hasn’t really been interested in the NBA since Jordan retired, has become enamored by the baby-faced assassin. With both teams attempting 20-plus three’s a night; this could be a preview of NBA All-Star Saturday night.
Orlando Magic @ Phoenix Suns
The Magic flat out play exciting basketball games. Every game seems like it’s down to the wire and has you on the edge of your seat. This one will be no different. The Magic take their act to Phoenix to take on the Suns, who have been underwhelming thus far in terms of their win-loss record. However, they have not underwhelmed when it comes to excitement. Phoenix has an exciting and dynamic backcourt in Bledsoe and Knight and coach Hornacek allows them to play to their strengths in the open court. With supreme athletes on both sides of ball, this contest will be a high flying affair with an abundance of OMG moments.
Los Angeles Clippers @ Chicago Bulls
Chris Paul and Derrick Rose, are there two more disliked point guards in the league? One is hated because he throws temper tantrums, flops and plays for the Clippers. The other is disliked because he can’t stay healthy, and doesn’t want to push through the grind because he has meetings to attend post retirement. Welcome to the “I dislike you less, so I’ll root for you” game of the week.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets
When I think of games at the Pepsi Center, I think of run-and-gun contests with dunks galore. Well, the Nuggets haven’t exactly been a team that plays with pace, but I think this game will be different. The Timberwolves come into town with some of the best young athletes in the NBA. But don’t be fooled, the Nuggets also have some great athletes. While the basketball may not be execution based, the chaotic fun meter will be high during this Friday night party.
San Antonio Spurs @ Atlanta Hawks
The pupil will once again get a shot at taking down the empire known as the Spurs. Just a couple of weeks ago, the Spurs smacked the Hawks by 20 in San Antonio. Phillips Arena hosts the rematch, as the Hawks look to get revenge for that aforementioned drubbing. This game will feature some of the best ball movement, shooting and overall basketball you’ll lay your eyes on this week.