The NBA season kicked off with a pair of games on Tuesday, as the Boston Celtics tied an NBA record for three-pointers made and the Los Angeles Lakers earned their first win under rookie head coach JJ Redick. Wednesday brings us a full slate of games, with 20 teams ready to being their season. We compiled a list of the five most intriguing games to watch and provided insight into what you might see on this jam-packed slate.
Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat
The Magic and Heat were separated by just one game last season, but it feels like they’re headed in different directions as the season opens. Orlando had the worst record in the Eastern Conference two seasons ago, won 34 games in ’23, and improved by 13 wins last year. Led by young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic are suffocating defensively and looking to become one of the elite teams in the East. A dominant win over a team like the Heat would be an impressive way to start. For Miami, a veteran-laden group is ready to show they are still a threat to win the conference. As long as Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Erik Spoelstra are a part of the team, the Heat stand a fighting chance.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Boston Celtics have shown to be the class of the Eastern Conference. The No. 2 spot remains up for grabs. Many thought the New York Knicks would seize that spot, but they looked completely rattled against the defending champions. The Bucks and 76ers boast the two best players in the conference, but can either team overcome the obstacles that lie ahead? Year 1 of the Giannis-Lillard pairing did not go as intended. The team posted mediocre results after Doc Rivers took over as head coach. And, Khris Middleton is already nursing an injury and will be out for this one. Middleton’s absence is overshadowed by the 76ers who will be without Joel Embiid and Paul George to start the year. Can Tyrese Maxey lead the charge against an aging Bucks squad?
Charlotte Hornets vs. Houston Rockets
In terms of entertainment value, this is probably atop the rankings. Two young teams filled with tremendous athletes worth the admission price. The Rockets are a team many people have their eye on. They have too many talented players to even include in the rotation. It will be interesting to see how head coach Ime Udoka decides to use his depth, and which player gets squeezed for minutes. The Hornets aren’t expected to win many games this year, but the backcourt pairing of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller is an exciting duo. The top overall athlete on either team? Houston’s Amen Thompson who should see significantly more playing time in Year 2.
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are set to host the Phoenix Suns in the first regular season game at the recently built Intuit Dome. It’s a bittersweet opening with the home team not at full strength. James Harden will try to hold down the fort while Kawhi Leonard’s health status remains unclear. The former MVP will have his hands full trying to keep up with the high-powered Suns. Phoenix hired Mike Budenholzer in the offseason after canning Frank Vogel after just one year. Budenholzer will have Phoenix shooting more threes, which should bode well for the Suns’ sweet-shooting trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The Warriors are likely not championship contenders. The Blazers project to be one of the worst teams in the Western Conference. So, what makes this game so intriguing? Steph Curry. There are a finite number of games left in the legendary guard’s career. Curry turned 36 this year and won’t be in the league for much longer. These Warriors aren’t quite as stacked as in years past, but watching Curry rain threes over helpless defenders will never get old.
