The season of Basketball is here! The preseason is done and the regular season games start tonight! Later on in the week, I will post my predictions for who will win the East, who will win the West, who will win Rookie of the Year, 6th Man, etc.
But for now, let's get into the games that are going down tomorrow night.
Orlando Magic @ Indiana Pacers - 7:30 p.m. NBA TV
- The outstanding rookie out of Indiana, Victor Oladipo makes his debut for the Magic. His versatile skill set brings a new dynamic to this Magic team that lacked a offensive consistency last season (ranked 25th in total offense) and what he brings is a defensive presence to this team. He's a great defender, can lock up and get physical with players to force turnovers. He's an all around great player on both sides of the ball. He doesn't have an exceptionally strong team around them, but I believe they'll be better than last season.
- But they face a team all about defense. Indiana led the league in rebounds last season and had the best defense against the 3 point shot. They can crash the boards with Hibbert down there, can defend the perimeter very well depending on the matchups they use, and they've shot shooters. They'll be without Granger, but with Hill running the point and West making jumpers from 17 ft, they're a hard team to defend against and play against because their defense is so stifling. And at Home, Orlando is in trouble. I smell a blowout. The Pacers aren't a flashy team. They play at a consistent pace, but they can force turnovers and make transition baskets. The Pacers still remain a threat to Miami. More so than Chicago, in my opinion.
Prediction: Pacers Win
Chicago Bulls @ Miami Heat - 8 p.m. TNT
- The defending Champions, Miami Heat host the Chicago Bulls and the returning Derrick Rose. In the playoffs, the Bulls, riddled with injuries, still stole a game from Miami. The Bulls have Rose back and Noah is 100% so their offense will back at full strength and their defense has gotten better. Jimmy Butler is flying under the radar, in my opinion. He's shown what he can do in the playoffs. He's not a great scorer, but he's mostly an asset because of his defensive ability. Bulls have Noah out there with his energy crashing the boards and getting points in the paint. The Bulls aren't a great defensive unit all around, but there are players on that team that can get physical with the Heat players and generate turnovers.
- But here's why the Heat will win. You've got Lebron, Wade, and Bosh leading the charge. Their bench is extremely deep. Ray Allen coming off along with Battier hitting the corner 3's and The Birdman for his energy and defense around the rim. But the X-Factor is Greg Oden. A HEALTHY Greg Oden is dangerous. He's a big body that can get fight for those boards and brings a great offensive presence to that team. Miami just gets deeper every year. Their achilles heel is that when you get physical with Miami, they tend to turn the ball over. When you press them in a halfcourt set, they struggle to put up consistent points. They rely too much on jumpshots and transition points. They were never exceptionally well at getting to the rim. The Bulls can match up with Miami defensively and contain that offense.
- But at Home, their energy levels go up a few notches. They can execute a trap defense and when they get out in transition, there's no other team better. They can hit those open buckets if they have the space, but their lack of consistency down low is key. If Oden can play like we know he can, then this team gets a boost. At home, on a night where they get their rings, I believe Miami with the Home crowd behind them will be on fire. With Rose back with the Bulls, they are a legitimate threat to Miami in the East, but I don't see them winning THIS game.
Prediction: Heat Wins
Los Angeles Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers - 10:30 p.m. TNT
- The Clippers debut with Doc Rivers as their Head Coach. It's going to be interesting to see the dynamic he brings to this team. I'll say this, the Clippers can go far if they have some consistency to go with their size. DeAndre Jordan brings a defensive presence, but he can't make free throws, or make great shots. Hollins is 7 feet tall, but how can be consistent? Clippers lack consistency. Chris Paul is the best player on the team, but he needs consistency from his big men, especially Blake Griffin. I love his dunks and what he does, but he needs to work on his defense, his post moves, his jumpshot, and everything else that can make him a more effective big man down low, rather than just a dunker. Hopefully, Doc instilled some defensive discipline within this team.
- The Lakers.....where do I begin. No offense to Kobe, but he ran Dwight Howard out of town. I'm calling it the way I see it. I knew their personalities were going to clash. Now, Kobe just has Nash around him. They did add some pieces to their bench. They brought Farmer back, they've got Jordan Hill. Blake is on there, along with Nick Young and Jodie Meeks. I personally hope to see Meeks get some playing time because he's a good shooter. Kaman brings size, which is about it. Kaman isn't even a decent scorer and defender. His main job will be to pull those boards down. Gasol is just soft down low, scared to take to the hoop, flops a lot, and focuses on getting his jumpshot better. The Lakers all around the board are not a good team. Sure they'll be able to score, but they'll lack a defensive consistency and the Clippers offense is the type of team to take advantage of that.
- The Clippers can expose some matchups and score some easy buckets. CP3 vs Nash will be fun to watch, Kobe will have something to prove coming out being ranked 25th and all. But the Clippers are just a better squad than Lakers. They were last season. Lakers are a mess of an organization. The Clippers got better in the offseason. I expect a good showing from them.
Prediction: Clippers Win
Enjoy The Games! I'll be back tomorrow with my predictions of who will win the East and the West and everything else throughout the week.
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By: Gerald "Showstopper" Prophete
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