NBA

Who will win each conference and the NBA Finals? When will LeBron surpass Kareem as the all-time scoring champ? Our experts are making their predictions.

Tim MacMahon: Bucks over Warriors in 6 Tim Legler: Warriors over Bucks in 6 [What to know for '22-23](/nba/story/_/id/34795174/nba-season-preview-2022-23-contenders-stars-big-questions) James is 1,325 points behind [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4145/kareem-abdul-jabbar)'s mark, so we should expect the record to be broken some time near the 2022-23 season's second half. And while our expert panel places the defending champs among the contenders to reach the Finals again in 2023, we weren't as kind to the Celtics. [LA Clippers](/nba/team/_/name/lac/la-clippers) were a trendy pick among our panel, and rightfully so.

NBC Sports weekly NBA Power Rankings are back to start the season, and it has the defending champion Golden State Warriors on top.

Not having ](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/10/24/nba-power-rankings-week-1-warriors-cavaliers-top-the-list-shocking/okc_primary-icon/) [Chet Holmgren](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/66330/chet-holmgren) for the season sucks, but there’s still talent on this team worth watching in [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/30582/shai-gilgeous-alexander) and [Josh Giddey](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/64758/josh-giddey). The Bulls are going to rely on a backcourt combo of [Ayo Dosunmu](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/51185/ayo-dosunmu) and [Alex Caruso](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/30418/alex-caruso) to improve their defense. ](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/10/24/nba-power-rankings-week-1-warriors-cavaliers-top-the-list-shocking/nop_primary-icon/) [Zion Williamson](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/50955/zion-williamson) will play in the opener against Brooklyn despite turning his ankle in the preseason. Look for another All-NBA season from [Pascal Siakam](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/30322/pascal-siakam) and a step forward from Rookie of the Year [Scottie Barnes](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/63426/scottie-barnes). Not having ](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/10/24/nba-power-rankings-week-1-warriors-cavaliers-top-the-list-shocking/chi_primary-icon/) [Lonzo Ball](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/30428/lonzo-ball) to start the season hurts, both defensively and he is their best guard at pushing the pace. The Hawks new All-Star backcourt of ](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/10/24/nba-power-rankings-week-1-warriors-cavaliers-top-the-list-shocking/atl_primary-icon/) [Trae Young](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/30576/trae-young) and [Dejounte Murray](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/30324/dejounte-murray) were clearly still getting used to playing next to each other in the preseason, with a lot of “your turn/my turn” going on. It’s just preseason, but the Cavaliers’ new backcourt of ](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/10/24/nba-power-rankings-week-1-warriors-cavaliers-top-the-list-shocking/cle_primary-icon/) [Darius Garland](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/51040/darius-garland) and [Donovan Mitchell](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/30439/donovan-mitchell) showed some real chemistry playing off each other. The pressure is on the Clippers this season — this is a championship level roster on paper, one that overachieved last season basically without its stars and now get a healthy ](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/10/24/nba-power-rankings-week-1-warriors-cavaliers-top-the-list-shocking/lac_primary-icon/) [Kawhi Leonard](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/29695/kawhi-leonard) and [Paul George](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/29583/paul-george) to make that run. We didn’t see much of the twin towers of ](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2017/11/08/nba-power-rankings-detroit-minnesota-crash-top-five-party/min_primary-icon-2/) [Rudy Gobert](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/29944/rudy-gobert) and [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/30157/karl-anthony-towns) together in the preseason — they only played together in the final game against Brooklyn (and were -16 in the minutes both were on the floor). The Grizzlies lost more than they gained this offseason with DeAnthony Melton (76ers) and ](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/10/24/nba-power-rankings-week-1-warriors-cavaliers-top-the-list-shocking/mem_primary-icon/) [Kyle Anderson](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/30067/kyle-anderson) (Timberwolves) going out the door. Could ](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/10/24/nba-power-rankings-week-1-warriors-cavaliers-top-the-list-shocking/phi_primary-icon/) [Tyrese Maxey](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/58302/tyrese-maxey) be second on this team in scoring this season? This is a championship-level roster — better than the one that went to the Finals last season thanks to the addition of ](http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/10/24/nba-power-rankings-week-1-warriors-cavaliers-top-the-list-shocking/bos_primary-icon/) [Malcolm Brogdon](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/30331/malcolm-brogdon) as a sixth man.

It's time for a newNBAseason, with the 2021-22 campaign tipping off with a pair of games on Tuesday. And it should...

We’ve lost some of that and we think this rule is going to inject that exciting play back into our game." Additionally, it also applies when a defender is out of position and unable to make a play on the ball. But it’s important that they not stand the whole game, because now you’re getting into game-integrity issues, injury possibility for game participants; we want to eliminate all that." "Some of our best play at the NBA is defensive basketball. The defending champion @warriors host the @Lakers tonight at 10 PM ET on TNT! The Association will impose a heightened penalty when the defense commits a transition take foul without making a legitimate play on the ball.

Coming into the new NBA season, things feel more wide open, with more possible contenders than last season. At the same time, however, we could have on our ...

And if the former happens, why not look to trade Durant and bottom out in the hopes of a big prize that could jump-start a rebuild. There’s a fair bit of parity among the top teams in the NBA coming into the season. He came into training camp in tremendous shape as a sign that he’s looking to be a lot more serious than in seasons past but the Harden that shows up in the fall and winter is often different than the one that has played in the spring. For everyone else, however, including the teams that might only be fighting to make the playoffs or the play-in games, expect to see an intense race to the bottom for a chance to draft Wembanyama. Now, the Suns will have to deal with this fallout as the very foundation of the organization has been rocked and is about to be upheaved, all the while also dealing with an unhappy Deandre Ayton, who returns after the off-sheet he signed with the Pacers was matched by the Suns. But things can change at the trade deadline this season or even in the 2023 off-season. What should be a strong Warriors team coming in to defend its title might actually be a fractured club, though, thanks to the ugly altercation between Green and Poole that blew up all over social media. Memphis won 56 games last season and finished second in the Western Conference and there’s no reason to believe they can’t do the same or even better this season. There’s not much weakness to point to with this roster other than the injury bug. Their acquisition of Christian Wood from the Rockets appears like a good move, but he’s only ever put up numbers on a bad Houston Rockets team and is entering a contract year where he’ll be asked to come off the bench. That’s the question of the season for the Nuggets. As mentioned off the top, there are quite a few legitimate contenders to consider coming into the season.

Starting this Tuesday, the Golden State Warriors are putting their NBA title on the line. That ring that they will be given before the game against the LA ...

Kawhi Leonard's return to the court is largely why. They are the team to beat without a doubt. The difference with last year is that Thompson is 100 percent from day one. That ring that they will be given before the game against the LA Lakers makes them the hunted in 2022/23. The Warriors lost Gary Payton II, but signed Donte DiVincenzo. Given that the backbone of the team is still on the roster, expectations are high.

With talent (and troubles) spread across the league, there's unique parity at the top of the championship chase heading into the 2022-23 season.

A relative democratization of talent makes for less predictability in a sport in which talent (usually) rules. Parity isn’t generally associated with the top-heavy NBA, but this season might be different. And again, they were narrow in 2019-20, after Durant left the Warriors. (When odds are presented in this form, lower numbers signify bigger favorites, while higher numbers signify bigger long shots.) That’s a far cry from when Durant, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green all placed in the top 10, with Klay Thompson not far behind. And the best teams [win more often](https://statsbylopez.netlify.app/post/part-ii-randomness-of-series/) in the playoffs. - Kawhi Leonard and Paul George? For the 2022-23 season, it’s a yes, according to the data. And on the other end of the spectrum, only two teams have won the championship with worse than a 5 percent implied probability in the preseason, according to this archive of Vegas odds. As of Monday afternoon, the team with the best championship odds according to FanDuel is the Bucks, with +550 odds, which imply they have a 15 percent chance to win. But the 2022-23 season, which tips off in Boston on Tuesday night, is defying predictability at a historical level. Superstars can dominate more in the NBA.

(Bloomberg) -- On a recent Sunday afternoon, a basketball fan in a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey took his seat for a preseason NBA game in a sold-out arena.

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Pascal Siakam (left) and Precious Achiuwa are 2 of the NBA-leading 8 international players on the Raptors' roster. NEW YORK — The National Basketball ...

Canada 19 and Friday, March 31 in Philadelphia. 25 in Milwaukee and on Saturday, March 25 in Denver. • Two international players have won the last four Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Awards: reigning back-to-back MVP Jokić (2021-22 and 2020-21) and Antetokounmpo (2019-20 and 2018-19). Among the American players with ties to other countries are [Deandre Ayton](https://www.nba.com/player/1629028/deandre-ayton) (Suns; Bahamas; BWB Global 2016), [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://www.nba.com/player/1628983/shai-gilgeous-alexander) (Thunder; Canada; BWB Global 2016), [Joel Embiid](https://www.nba.com/player/203954/joel-embiid) (76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011), [Rui Hachimura](https://www.nba.com/player/1629060/rui-hachimura) (Washington Wizards; Japan; BWB Global 2016), [Jamal Murray](https://www.nba.com/player/1627750/jamal-murray) (Nuggets; Canada; BWB Global 2015), [Pascal Siakam](https://www.nba.com/player/1627783/pascal-siakam) (Raptors; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012) and [Jonas Valančiūnas](https://www.nba.com/player/202685/jonas-valanciunas) (New Orleans Pelicans; Lithuania; BWB Europe 2008). The Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz each have six. There is a total of 58 European players on opening-night rosters, including three members of the 2021-22 Kia All-NBA First Team: ET](https://www.nba.com/game/lal-vs-gsw-0022200002)). ET](https://www.nba.com/game/phi-vs-bos-0022200001)). The 2022-23 season tips off tonight with a doubleheader on TNT. All 30 NBA teams feature at least one international player.

Which team will be holding the Larry O'Brien trophy when it is all said and done?

The [Nuggets](https://www.si.com/nba/team/denver-nuggets) are deep and will have a chance to tweak their roster during the season as well. The East, once again, is tough, but I like the Bucks, who will get Khris Middleton back and who added Joe Ingles to the mix, to get out of the conference. [Nets](https://www.si.com/nba/team/brooklyn-nets) bow out of the postseason in a similar manner to last season? But the Bucks will get the best of the Nuggets in a marquee matchup between the two players who have won the last four MVPs. [Warriors](https://www.si.com/nba/team/golden-state-warriors), the [Nuggets](https://www.si.com/nba/team/denver-nuggets), and maybe even the Suns if they can [rebound from last season’s bizarre Game 7 loss](https://www.si.com/nba/2022/05/16/luka-doncic-leads-mavericks-game-7-victory-over-suns)—but arguably no team projects to be as balanced on either side as the Clippers. But—and this is a big, deep breath of a but—Brooklyn still has one of the most talented cores in the NBA, and the return of Joe Harris, coupled with the acquisitions of Royce O’Neale, Markieff Morris and T.J. [Nikola Jokić](https://www.si.com/nba/player/nikola-jokic) has ever played for, and it’s time for him to prove he can be the best player on a championship team. [Clippers](https://www.si.com/nba/team/los-angeles-clippers) have had since their celebrated 2019 haul of [Kawhi Leonard](https://www.si.com/nba/player/kawhi-leonard) and [Paul George](https://www.si.com/nba/player/paul-george). You can find our [award predictions](https://www.si.com/nba/2022/10/17/nba-award-predictions-mvp-rookie-of-the-year) and [burning questions here](https://www.si.com/nba/2022/10/18/nba-burning-questions-russell-westbrook-warriors-ben-simmons-daily-cover). It will be a seven-game war between these two but I think Kawhi outduels Giannis and LA takes the title. They are deep and if 100% whole and clicking I'll take them over my default pick in an absolutely stacked East in Milwaukee, who at least have fewer questions to answer than some of the other contenders. And while I think that very well could happen, I still think the East goes through Giannis and the Bucks.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 35 points and the Celtics beat the 76ers 126-117 on Tuesday night in the NBA season opener.

The 10-time All-Star frustrated the Celtics, displaying the mobility he was missing a year ago. He was able to get to the free throw line often. The 76ers are looking to contend with the top teams in the Eastern Conference with Harden embarking on his first full season in Philadelphia after being swapped for Ben Simmons late last season in a trade with Brooklyn.

Everything you need to know about 76ers-Celtics and Lakers-Warriors as the 2022-23 season tips off.

Harden then allowed [Jayson Tatum](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4065648/jayson-tatum) to coast by him for a layup on the following possession, and Embiid then committed his third foul at the other end. [Marcus Smart](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2990992/marcus-smart) gets tangled up with Philly's [Joel Embiid](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3059318/joel-embiid), who hooked his arm and drew a foul. While [Marcus Smart](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2990992/marcus-smart) was the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year last season, it was Horford (third in NBA) and [Robert Williams III](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4066211/robert-williams-iii) (11th) who had the highest Defensive Real Plus Minus (DRPM) scores on the team. For all of the understandable focus on [Stephen Curry](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3975/stephen-curry)'s heroics in that series, Boston lost because its offense couldn't get it done against Golden State's defense. [LeBron James](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/1966/lebron-james) at power forward. He has already drawn three 3-point shooting fouls, including a completed four-point play, and also became the first player in the NBA to shoot the free throw for the new take-foul rule at the 6:13 mark of the first quarter. [Steph Curry](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3975/stephen-curry) era, but the franchise has leaned into their total titles in new signage around the Chase Center. [Jaylen Brown](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3917376/jaylen-brown) then came over and got in Embiid's face. [What to know about all 30 teams](/nba/story/_/id/34795174/nba-season-preview-2022-23-contenders-stars-big-questions) [Al Horford](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3213/al-horford) is plus-12 in 18 minutes played even though he's only 1-for-4 from the field for 3 points. [Golden State Warriors](/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors) received their rings after winning their fourth title in the past eight seasons. "We don't want to be one of those teams -- and you very rarely see that in the NBA -- where teams are swaying according to who their opponent is starting," Ham said during his pregame remarks.

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors received their 2021-22 NBA championship rings during a special pregame ceremony Tuesday during Champions Ring ...

Next month, the Warriors Community Foundation and Chase will launch a Championship Ring Sweepstakes, offering Warriors fans a chance to win an authentic 2021-22 NBA championship ring. Additional features on the sides of the ring include seven championship trophies to represent the franchise’s seven NBA championships, the team’s “Just Us” mantra, and more. [approximately 16 carats](https://www.nba.com/warriors/photos/warriors-2022-championship-rings) of yellow and white diamonds set into yellow gold to represent the team’s 16 wins during the 2022 NBA playoffs, marking the first time a championship ring has been made up primarily of yellow diamonds.

The Warriors received their 2022 NBA championship rings on Tuesday night and they certainly did not disappoint.

Additional features on the sides of the ring include seven Championship trophies to represent the franchise’s seven NBA Championships, the team’s “Just Us” mantra, and more." "The rings feature approximately 16 carats of yellow and white diamonds set into yellow gold to represent the team’s 16 wins during the 2022 NBA Playoffs, marking the first time a Championship ring has been made up primarily of yellow diamonds," the Warriors wrote in a statement. "Seven carats of yellow cushion cut diamonds on the bezel represent the team’s seven championships, while 43 baguettes in the bridge represent Stephen Curry’s 43-point performance in Game 4 of the NBA Finals."

The 2022-23 NBA season returns Tuesday. Here are our predictions on who will win the NBA Finals and additional award winners.

Two teams out West that could be in for something special if the stars align are the Pelicans with a healthy Zion Williamson and the Kings with their depth-filled roster. The Atlanta Hawks could jump back into the top tier of teams after landing Dejounte Murray while the Pacers and Detroit Pistons should both be fun to watch but not at serious playoff levels just yet. [Rookie of the Year](https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/here-are-nba-rookie-year-favorites-2022-23), it’s fair to say [Sacramento Kings](https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/kings) forward Keegan Murray is the rookie who will contribute the most out of the gate and claim the award. Based on my NBA Finals predictions, it would be safe to presume that Jokić and Antetokounmpo are once again in the conversation, along with Ja Morant, Curry and Tatum. New Orleans could be in for a 2021-22 Grizzlies jump in the standings while Sacramento could have a 2020-21 Grizzlies mini-breakout year. Rudy Gobert is probably in line for his record-tying fourth Defensive Player of the Year award now that he’s tasked with cleaning up alongside Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota. An underrated name here could be Cleveland Cavaliers second-year center Evan Mobley, who came on strong as a rookie and has more potential in him. 8 overall pick to the New Orleans Pelicans. Generally, teams that thrive in the postseason atmosphere possess superstars who defy the opposition’s tactics offensively and deploy a foundation of switchable defenders who are disciplined and can handle multiple positions. He brings both of those factors and raises the level of quality on the court. Another one is Dyson Daniels, the No. Most teams have a clean slate right now, especially with Kawhi Leonard returning to the

The 2022-23 NBA season tips off & last year's finalists Boston Celtics & Golden State Warriors are leading NBA title contenders again along with the LA ...

“FanDuel TV was designed for viewers to watch and wager and Run it Back will bring a 360° view of the NBA including wagering trends to our audience,” said FanDuel’s Chief Commercial Officer Mike Raffensperger. Curry earns the highest figure playing basketball and on the court this season at $48.1 million. 18 nightcap, and the Warriors are leading contenders again and co-favorites to win the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Forbes list of The defending champion Golden State Warriors battle the Los Angeles Lakers in the Oct. The Celtics are a leading favorite to return to the NBA finals for the second straight season, but a slight second choice behind the Eastern Conference favorite Milwaukee Bucks.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that 120 international players from 40 countries and six continents are on opening-night rosters for the ...

• Two international players have won the last four Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Awards: reigning back-to-back MVP Jokić (2021-22 and 2020-21) and Antetokounmpo (2019-20 and 2018-19). 19 and Friday, March 31 in Philadelphia. Antetokounmpo and Dončić were voted the No. 25 in Milwaukee and on Saturday, March 25 in Denver. • As part of the 2022-23 NBA App GM Survey, Dončić, Antetokounmpo and Embiid were voted the No. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz each have six.

'Tanking already?': Lakers 'stink' in opener as great 'p***ed' at Westbrook saga.

You know in our league there’s teams that can do that,” James added. “It’s time for the Lakers to move him ... I think the wear and tear mentally last year and starting this year, playing with Patrick Beverley ... I hate the fact that they made him and (former coach Frank Vogel) scapegoats. “This guy (Westbrook) used to be so exuberant, playing with great energy and great emotion. James, Davis and Westbrook -- supposed to form a “Big Three” capable of challenging for the title last year -- ended up playing only 21 games together. We’ve been through an awful lot together. “He broke our trust with this incident, but I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt because I think he has earned that and I think our team feels the same way. A roster rebuild that saw the arrival of Westbrook and the departure of several players involved in the 2020 title run was seen by many as the main reason behind the Lakers defensive demise. The Warriors coach says he expects Green -- one of his most trusted on-court lieutenants during a run that has included six trips to the NBA Finals since 2015 -- to rebuild “trust” with teammates and coaches. For most of the past decade, the Warriors have been a model of consistency on and off the court, a well-coached, well-run organisation that has set a standard for the rest of the league. LA was well beaten 32-19 in the third term to trail by as much as 27 points as it was left with no answers on the defensive end to Golden State’s barrage of shooting.

Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry shoots during the NBA Japan Games against the Washington Wizards at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on Oct 2, 2022.

“Warriors are the biggest team in the country and Rakuten gets credit for that. The 2019 Japan Games featured the Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets. The company’s regional headquarters is in Silicon Valley and executives say investing in the Warriors has been a big plus for recruitment and employee satisfaction. Scores of people packed in to watch a pair of pre-season games between the Washington Wizards – featuring Rui Hachimura, one of two Japanese players in the NBA – and the reigning champions Golden State Warriors. Africa and India are also international priorities, deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said at the CAA World Congress of Sports in October. Rakuten and the Warriors renewed and expanded their pact in May – excellent timing because the team won the championship a month later.

Jayson Tatum has confidence-booster game, James Harden shows lethal touch and 76ers' new faces have rough debuts.

None of the three were major factors in the loss to the Celtics. A fair number of players who played at the same level of Griffin wouldn’t stick around for this. They’ll need to be at their best when the Sixers are matched against the East powers. It’s an inconvenience at best, and a big loss at worst, for Boston as the Celtics make do until then. But Horford is 36 and the Celtics are rather thin at the power positions. It made for an interesting test case against Embiid, who led the league in scoring last season and, for the second time, was runner-up in the Kia MVP voting. He reset over the summer, reduced weight, signed a team-friendly contract extension that allowed the Sixers to add other players and came to camp feeling determined. Also, he was guarded Tuesday by Marcus Smart, the reigning Kia Defensive Player of the Year. He arrived in midseason from Brooklyn and the initial expectations were just too steep and maybe unrealistic. By the way, Brown and Tatum have each had 30-plus points in the same regular season game 13 times in their careers together. Tatum had some terrific transitional moments against Philly where he made defensive stops and followed up with jumpers and layups, especially in the game-changing third quarter when the balance flipped to Boston. Last we saw Tatum, he was tossing bricks in the 2022 NBA Finals and coming up short in performance and energy against the Warriors.

Stephen Curry began the season with 33 points, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Los Angeles Lakers 123-109 on Tuesday night after receiving their ...

"During the peak of racial tension in our society, he represented a type of nobility and honour that transcended sports", the Celtics Guard concluded. In Boston, the Celtics paid tribute to the mythical N6 of the franchise Bill Russell, who died in July. "Bill Russell was a great man for what and who he stood for", Jaylen Brown noted.

Visit ESPN for the game recap of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors NBA basketball game on October 18, 2022.

[Juan Toscano-Anderson](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4401416/juan-toscano-anderson) received his championship ring from his former team, the first player to accept the sparkling jewelry. ... C [Thomas Bryant](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3934723/thomas-bryant) had surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament on his left thumb and is scheduled to be re-evaluated by team doctors in about three weeks. ... [Patrick Beverley](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3964/patrick-beverley) picked up his third foul with 5:46 left in the first half and shot 1 of 5 for three points. “I'm excited for the city of Saginaw, Michigan, to get to see a kid that represents the city well and happens to be playing some really good basketball and playing at a high level his entire career in Draymond Green," Ham said. [Anthony Davis](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6583/anthony-davis) added 27 points, but the Lakers couldn't keep up in another signature, runaway third quarter by reigning NBA Finals MVP Curry and Co. “And now they get to see another kid who is the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Kerr said he will increase Thompson's minutes each game as a precaution following his return in January from an absence of more than 2 1/2 years for surgeries to his left knee and right Achilles tendon. "That has to be something that’s in our fabric, not just against Golden State but against the entire league.” “You’ve always got to be ready for the third quarters, and we were not tonight.” These guys have played at the highest level over and over and over again.” 5, then took a brief leave of absence from the team to work on his emotions. “I’m thrilled with the win,” coach Steve Kerr said.

On a recent Sunday afternoon, a basketball fan in a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey took his seat for a preseason NBA game in a sold-out arena.

On a recent Sunday afternoon, a basketball fan in a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey took his seat for a preseason NBA game in a sold-out arena. Scores of people packed in to watch a pair of preseason games between the Washington Wizards — featuring Rui Hachimura, one of two Japanese players in the league — and the reigning champion Golden State Warriors. This year’s NBA Japan Games were a marketing executive’s dream, mobilizing fans and wallets and further marrying the league’s brand with the sport’s growing popularity internationally.

SAN FRANCISCO - Stephen Curry scored 33 points as the Golden State Warriors launched the defence of their National Basketball Association (NBA) crown with a ...

“Once we start getting on the same page, it will get better with time. “That comes from a team coming together for the first time. Now we can look forward to the rest of the year.” They were never seriously threatened after a trademark third-quarter eruption, outscoring the Lakers 32-19 to race to a 27-point lead at one stage “I’m thrilled with the win,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said. “Ring night is never an easy game and the first game of the season is usually filled with some nerves early on.”

After the Warriors surged past the Lakers on opening night, NBA Twitter was buzzing with different reactions.

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Klay Thompson has cited Barcelona's tiki-taka as inspiration for the Golden State Warriors tactics at the start of the new NBA season.

[It involves a series of short sharp passing, keeping the ball moving constantly. The tactic was also used to great effect by the Spain national team, who clinched back-to-back European Championships either side of a World Cup triumph in 2010. [TNT](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfSfdWqwbNQ&t=361s), saying: "You guys are the best without the ball that I have seen without the ball in a long time."

Stephen Curry and Golden State cruised past LeBron James and the Lakers on opening night.

[Warriors may not be a runaway favorite](https://www.si.com/nba/2022/10/18/nba-finals-predictions-expert-picks-clippers-bucks-warriors-nuggets) in the manner they were during say, the [Kevin Durant](https://www.si.com/nba/player/kevin-durant) years. [Stephen Curry](https://www.si.com/nba/player/stephen-curry) was the only player to play over 30 minutes, and even then it was only a leisurely 33. Not in the current NBA, in which no team is head and shoulders above anyone else, [and superteams have largely gone the way of starry duos](https://www.si.com/nba/2021/10/19/end-of-nba-dynasties). “It was a ring night and that's really what we were focused on finishing the first game. [celebrated its 2022 championship with a ring ceremony](https://www.si.com/nba/2022/10/19/warriors-celebrate-2022-title-ring-ceremony-before-season-opener) and [breezy win over the Lakers on opening night](https://www.si.com/nba/warriors/news/steph-curry-reacts-to-opening-night-win-over-lakers). Still, the Warriors certainly resembled the version of themselves capable of winning it all in Game 1. Something everyone on the team has echoed since the The weeks leading up to the game were filled with [speculation about the Warriors’ future](https://www.si.com/nba/2022/10/12/draymond-green-warriors-jordan-poole-punch-fined). The [123–109 win against the Lakers](https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/warriors-blow-out-lakers-in-season-opener-ak1987) followed a similar script to countless Warriors games from their best years. [could pick up right where it left off from when we last saw them](https://www.si.com/nba/2022/06/17/golden-state-warriors-stephen-curry-2022-nba-champions-daily-cover), when Golden State was the last team standing in the playoffs. But he does have the luxury of always being able to fall back on Curry and whoever else has it going when the team needs to make a run. “It reminds me of ‘14-’15,” Kerr said of the team’s depth after the game.

Here's how NBA Twitter reacted to the Warriors blowing out the Lakers on opening night, plus James Harden's viral moment.

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NEW YORK – On a recent Sunday afternoon, a basketball fan in a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey took his seat for a pre-season National Basketball Association ...

That deal featured a logo patch on players’ jerseys and a partnership around merchandising. The crowd went nuts anytime Hachimura touched the ball. All of it was organised by the NBA and Rakuten Group Inc., a Japanese e-commerce giant that has been leveraging its sponsorship of the Warriors to build name recognition in the US.

No player goes 1-on-1 more than Luka Doncic. There are plenty of impressive reasons why.

"When he plays, the only thing he hears is like the music that's playing in his head," Shammgod says. "And all of a sudden he finds a way to spin out and somehow shoots left-handed over his head -- and he makes those shots." During timeouts, Doncic will sometimes juggle the basketball with his foot, a flashback to his childhood playing soccer in Slovenia. "If you use the contact correctly, it's a big advantage, for sure." He often initiates contact, off the dribble or as he's going up to finish, using his strength to create pockets of space. "It's a fadeaway, so it's tough to block, tough to defend. The one-legged fadeaway has become such a respected part of Doncic's repertoire that he occasionally embarrasses defenders determined to contest it. It's a move that Doncic mastered between his rookie and sophomore seasons, essentially adding a midrange escape clause to his isolation game. "You want to have it where every dribbling move he does is a part of that [step-back] package, because that's his favorite shot," Shammgod says. "That's part of the fabric of who he is, because it can set up so many other things." "Sometimes as a coach you want to run all these plays," says Kidd, who has frequently surrounded Doncic with 3-point threats, employing five-out offenses to open the floor for him to operate. In these moments, the court feels like a canvas for Doncic, who Mavs coach Jason Kidd compared to a young Picasso at the start of last season.

NBA star Klay Thompson has said that Barcelona's tiki-taka is the inspiration behind the Golden State Warriors' tactics at the start of the new NBA season.

It was an evolution of Johan Cruyff’s total football tactics and also built on Frank Rijkaard’s and Louis van Gaal’s desire to play with short passes. It’s easy to step up to the open man and give the open man with us, keep it moving and it just plays to me and Steph [Curry] strengths so much.” The NBA star said, “I give Steve credit [Kerr], he walked in and had a vision just to keep the thing hot.

Listing the top five basketball shoes worn during the opening night of the 2022-23 NBA season.

Meanwhile, James wore the Nike LeBron 20 in the 'Purple & Gold' colorway. The Nike LeBron 20 has flown off the shelves since its release in late September. We knew the 2022 NBA Finals MVP, Stephen Curry, would go big on ring night. Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden wore a new colorway of the Adidas Harden Vol. [complicated history](https://www.si.com/fannation/sneakers/on-court/jaden-ivey-makes-summer-league-debut-in-nike-kobe-6) of the shoes back in July. So it was only fitting that the German company supply the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year with special shoes for the big night. Below is our ranking of the top five shoes from the 2022 NBA Opening Night. Harden has worn different colorways of his 7th signature sneaker with Adidas throughout the summer. [Nike LeBron 20](https://www.si.com/fannation/sneakers/tag/nike-lebron-20) in the 'Time Machine' colorway. Later, the reigning champion Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers. In the first matchup, the Boston Celtics handled the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the shoes still have not been released to the public.

Klay Thompson has cited Barcelona's tiki-taka as inspiration for the Golden State Warriors tactics at the start of the new NBA season.

[It involves a series of short sharp passing, keeping the ball moving constantly. The tactic was also used to great effect by the Spain national team, who clinched back-to-back European Championships either side of a World Cup triumph in 2010. [TNT](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfSfdWqwbNQ&t=361s), saying: "You guys are the best without the ball that I have seen without the ball in a long time."

No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero leads an intriguing group of newcomers in 2022-23.

He played well with the Cavs in Las Vegas (15 ppg, 4.8 rpg) but now might get more reps with the rebuilding Jazz. He hit 61% of his shots while averaging 14.4 points in five games and he led all rookies with 26 total assists (5.2 per game). With Holmgren out, Dieng has the distinction of being the Thunder rookie not named (Jaylin or Jalen) Williams. The Pistons envision a backcourt duo with last year’s No. One role model who’s been mentioned: Draymond Green, right down to the “triple-single” offensive results. As eager as Thunder fans were to see Holmgren play before the August foot injury that wiped out his season, they might get even more excited if the setback shifts OKC into an unabashed “2023 Draft” strategy. No. The only exceptions: New York’s Mark Jackson in 1988, the No. That happened in 2003 with Phoenix’s Amar’e Stoudemire (9th overall in 2002) and again in 2014 with Michael Carter-Williams (11th overall). 18 pick overall in the previous spring’s draft; and Milwaukee’s Malcolm Brogdon in 2017, rising up from No. For one of the newcomers, there will be a special prize in about eight months: the Kia Rookie of the Year Award. Shaking commissioner Adam Silver’s hand on draft night was one thing; suiting up and playing in actual NBA regular-season competition is a whole other level.

Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry scores 33 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds in season opener - Anadolu Agency.

[Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Just before the game, the Warriors held a special ring ceremony. "I'm thrilled with the win.

Fulwell 73 Productions will produce a 10-part docuseries on the 2023 NBA Playoffs, which is set to be shopped to outlets soon.

At Fulwell 73, Winston is a partner with Leo Pearlman, Ben Turner and Gabe Turner. The 10-part docuseries, which is currently untitled, will soon be brought to market. We’re thrilled to partner with the NBA to offer fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the most exciting ten weeks in sports.”

25. James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers · 24. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat · 23. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves · 22. Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors · 21. DeMar ...

The 76ers start the season with less drama than last year, and Embiid is a strong candidate to win his first MVP after finishing second to Jokic in May. He won his fourth NBA championship, became the NBA all-time leader in made 3-pointers, won the All-Star Game MVP, the Western Conference Finals MVP and the elusive NBA Finals MVP. He became the first player to surpass 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists last season, averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists and shooting 58.3% from the field. He has the skills to do better than that and be a bigger part of the MVP conversation. One of the game’s elite finishers, Morant can beat teams with his scoring (27.4 points per game) and passing (6.7 assists per game). The All-Star led the Suns to a franchise-record 64 wins, averaging 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 46.6% from the field. Brown should be an All-Star this season after making the team in 2021, and an All-NBA selection isn’t out of the question after he averaged 23.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists and shot 47.3% from the field last season. Despite his short season and playoff absence — the Blazers have only made it as far as the Western Conference finals (2019) in Lillard’s 10 seasons — Portland has faith in Lillard, and Lillard has faith in the Blazers. One of the game’s most skilled big men, Towns can score inside and with his 3-point shot (24.6 points per game, 52.9% from the field, 41.0% on 3s last season). The cool thing about DeRozan: As he hits his mid-30s, he is playing some of the best basketball of his career. He showed flashes of it last season but injuries and circumstances (especially with the Brooklyn Nets) prevented him from realizing his potential. A kid from Akron, Ohio (LeBron James, and truth be told, now closer to grandpa than kid) entering his 20th NBA season, still playing at an All-NBA level and on the verge of passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the league’s all-time leading scorer.

Oh, yeah, and we have another excuse to talk NBA trades again—not that we needed it. While teams have spent the past several months fine-tuning their roster, ...

Since the 7'4" center has this hoops world in a frenzy, San Antonio has no reason to roster Poeltl and risk him raising the floor just enough to spoil its 14 percent chance at the No. He has been a part of this rotation for three seasons, but every year, his role gets reduced in the postseason. Lewis tore his ACL last December, and the backcourt changes made since—namely, trading for CJ McCollum and making Jose Alvarado a rotation regular—could block Lewis' path to the hardwood. The temptation to put D'Angelo Russell in this spot is real, since he's unsigned beyond this season and arguably overpaid as it is ($31.4 million). If he isn't moving the needle much by then—his shooting regressed in a bad way last season—maybe the team would poke around to see what he could fetch. The Pacers pivoted toward a rebuild with last season's trade of Domantas Sabonis, but they still have some veterans to ship out for rebuilding tools. Martin is, obviously, still on the roster, and it surely isn't for a lack of trade interest. Maybe the Warriors can get away with using his roster spot for developmental purposes, but if cracks form in their rotation, they might have to part with his ceiling to find someone with a much higher floor. Teams who envision even more elements of his game surfacing sooner than later could be willing to part with quite a lot to get their hands on him ahead of his trek to the open market. Sharpe saw limited action as a rookie (391 minutes over 32 games), and if he's fighting for floor time again, the championship-focused Nets could decide they aren't willing to wait for him to realize his potential. The Celtics owe a top-12 protected pick to the Pacers in 2023 and only have top-one protection on a 2028 swap with the San Antonio Spurs, but otherwise, all of their first-round picks are in their possession. If Murray makes a smooth transition to Atlanta, and this roster looks ready for anything close to championship contention, the front office might be willing to sacrifice another draft pick in pursuit of a title.

From NBA League Pass to streaming discounts, here are ways to watch NBA games without cable.

Meanwhile, Sling TV’s streaming packages are half off (regularly $35/month) and Hulu + Live TV is $69.99 a month for 75+ channels, plus you’ll get access to [ESPN+](https://go.web.plus.espn.com/9WWGEQ) and [Hulu](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=JRLLPXArni8&offerid=852731.18&type=3&subid=0). [NBA League Pass](https://amzn.to/3MM6i37?asc_source=web&asc_campaign=web&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.billboard.com%2Fculture%2Fproduct-recommendations%2Fnba-schedule-how-to-watch-games-without-cable-1235158064%2F)? Some of the NBA League Pass games scheduled for Wednesday include the Orlando Magic vs. It’s $14.99 a month after a free trail, but Direct TV Stream and Sling TV subscribers can enjoy a free preview of NBA League Pass until Oct. For example, Direct TV Stream is $69.99 a month for its cheapest streaming package (75+ channels, unlimited DVR storage, etc.). Right now, Direct TV Stream’s more expensive packages are discounted $10 for the first five months, which means that you can upgrade to the Choice package (105+ channels, unlimited DVR, regional sports networks included) for just $79.99 a month. To make things easier, we’ve collected a short list of some of the more affordable streaming options and what they offer. The NBA season is held from Oct. See the full schedule of NBA games What’s on the NBA scheduled this week? 18) with the Golden State Warriors beating the Los Angeles Lakers 123-109, and the Boston Celtics beating the Philadelphia 76ers 126-117. The New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies game will air on Wednesday (Oct.

The wait is finally over. The NBA is back, and Monday night's opening matchups did not disappoint: from the tunnel fits to a head-to-head matchup in Boston ...

[Their young core](https://www.slamonline.com/nba/steve-kerr-on-the-strong-foundation-the-warriors-have-built/) ( [Moses](https://www.slamonline.com/tag/moses-moody/) [Moody](https://www.slamonline.com/tag/Moses-Moody/), [James Wiseman](https://www.slamonline.com/tag/James-Wiseman/), [Jonathan Kuminga](https://www.slamonline.com/tag/Jonathan-Kuminga/)) came in off the bench and provided valuable minutes. [Draymond Green](https://www.slamonline.com/tag/draymond-green/) and [Kevon Looney](https://www.slamonline.com/tag/kevon-looney/) anchored a strong defensive performance. [](https://www.slamonline.com/tag/moses-moody/) October 18th marked the beginning of the NBA season, but it was also Britney Griner’s 32nd birthday. Near the end of their contest against the Celtics, Stan Van Gundy joked that Mazzulla now has the best winning percentage in NBA history. After the game, The King was quick to recognize this deficiency in the Lakers’ offense, citing a lack of “lasers.” The Dubs had their trademark explosive third quarter, and signature contributions from [Klay Thompson](https://www.slamonline.com/tag/klay-thompson/), [Jordan Poole](https://www.slamonline.com/tag/jordan-poole/), Curry, and [Andrew Wiggins](https://www.slamonline.com/tag/andrew-wiggins/) on offense guided them to a win. Darvin Ham and Joe Mazzulla both made their head coaching debuts on opening night. 6 retired around the League, and every team is wearing a “6” patch on their jersey to honor him. The NBA is back, and Monday night’s opening matchups did not disappoint: from the tunnel fits to a head-to-head matchup in Boston and ring night in the Bay. They have three ECF trips under their belt and a recent appearance in the NBA Finals — they’re not supposed to still be getting better. Both were attacking from every part of the floor.

RotoWire gives insight on key players and values for Yahoo NBA DFS ahead of tonight's 12-game slate.

[Domantas Sabonis](https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/domantas-sabonis-3865). [Keldon Johnson](https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/keldon-johnson-4782), SAS vs. [Rudy Gobert](https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/rudy-gobert-3440) ($28) into Minnesota’s starting lineup. Memphis will rely on [Brandon Clarke](https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/brandon-clarke-4819) ($15) to out-maneuver the dominating duo, and it just doesn’t look like a favorable spot for Adams, who stacks up much better against teams with only one standout frontcourt player. NY ($10) [Markelle Fultz](https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/markelle-fultz-4100) (toe) is once again sidelined, so the job is Anthony’s to lose, but he’ll need to shoot much better to keep it. WAS ($23) [Terry Rozier](https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/terry-rozier-3736), CHA @ SAS ($25) [LaMelo Ball](https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/lamelo-ball-5151) (ankle) begins the season sidelined, making Rozier a great streaming option for Charlotte’s offense against a Spurs team in rebuild mode. OKC ($32) [Paolo Banchero](https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/paolo-banchero-5700) ($25), and he is likely to start and have an immediate impact on the offense. [Dejounte Murray](https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/dejounte-murray-3856) ($32) into the Atlanta backcourt should only help Young, who has had to carry enormous weight for the Hawks over his four-year tenure with the team. HOU ($37)

Is Joel Embiid going to win MVP? Is Jordan Poole the runaway favorite for Sixth Man? We talk NBA awards and how to bet them in this PBT Podcast.

Officer Craig Warren said in the report that Bouknight had glassy eyes and a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath. “Cliff has been there for me every step of the way since he got here,” Bouknight said. Police said that once Bouknight was awake, he refused to comply with commands and appeared confused for several minutes. He had the handgun in his hands. Bouknight was placed under arrest for DWI since he was in a public area and behind the wheel of a running vehicle, in drive, in the traffic way while intoxicated. According to the police report, officers saw Bouknight unconscious inside the vehicle with the vehicle running and in drive.

From James Harden to Blake Griffin, these players made memorable fashion statements on opening night.

[Boston Celtics](/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics) [#DubNation] [pic.twitter.com/8kiHmWOUlQ] [October 18, 2022] [Philadelphia 76ers](/nba/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-76ers) vs. Davison rocked a Vols jersey pregame days after Tennessee's football team [defeated Alabama's](/college-football/story/_/id/34817965/nick-saban-wants-alabama-focused-loose-loss-tennessee) in Knoxville. [@sixers]debut tonight on TNT [pic.twitter.com/VZlyhjjhQL] [October 18, 2022] [P.J. [Los Angeles Lakers](/nba/team/_/name/lal/los-angeles-lakers) vs. [Read more: Must-see moments from NBA Opening Night](/nba/story/_/id/34823535/nba-opening-night-76ers-celtics-lakers-warriors-live-highlights-reactions-takeaways) [Blake Griffin](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3989/blake-griffin). [JD Davison](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4576085/jd-davison) lost a bet to teammate [Grant Williams](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4066218/grant-williams), a Tennessee alum. At the 2003 NBA draft, James turned heads with his memorable white suit. [https://t.co/gqPVz7vQ9i] [pic.twitter.com/8CsSvv31FJ] [October 18, 2022] [Al Horford](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3213/al-horford) and [Malcolm Brogdon](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2566769/malcolm-brogdon) all stepped out in fashionable attire for the season opener. [Golden State Warriors](/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)

Ahead of tonight's 12-game slate, FantasyPros sheds light on key players and values for DraftKings and FanDuel.

He also dropped a triple-double in his final outing, and we could be looking at a Giannis-like rise if the Thunder allow him to run the show. He was a stud when playing in that role last year, averaging 30 fantasy points per game. Washington](https://www.nba.com/player/1629023/pj-washington) (PF/C – CHA): $7,100 DraftKings, $5,900 FanDuel He simply does everything for this team. He’s the leader of this lackluster OKC roster, averaging 24.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in 2021-22. With Ball off the floor last season, Rozier led the team with a 27% usage rate while averaging 1.1 DK points per minute. Sacramento has also been one of the worst defenses over the last five seasons, with Lillard averaging 59 DK points per game in their last four meetings. Lillard flirted with a 40% usage rate with McCollum off the floor, averaging 1.6 DK points per minute in those stretches. He also led the league with 60 DK points per game and will obliterate a tanking Utah team that traded away the best defensive center in the NBA over the summer. That led to Fox’s best stretch of his career, averaging 28.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.8 assists across the final 17 games of last season. The 23-year-old had at least 36 DraftKings points in his final 37 games, generating a 49-point average in that span. Murray is one of the NBA’s best stat-stuffers, averaging 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game last season.

Lean the Pacers, the over in Kings-Trail Blazers and Tre Jones sinking a 3.

[Aleksej Pokusevski](/nba/players/3158639/aleksej-pokusevski/)? [Darius Bazley](/nba/players/3118842/darius-bazley/)? [Jeremiah Robinson-Earl](/nba/players/3141741/jeremiah-robinson-earl/)? The [Warriors](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/GS/golden-state-warriors/) beat the [Lakers](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/LAL/los-angeles-lakers/). The pick: Pelicans +3 [Washington Wizards](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/WAS/washington-wizards/) at [Indiana Pacers](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/IND/indiana-pacers/) The pick: Pacers +2 [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/OKC/oklahoma-city-thunder/) at [Minnesota Timberwolves](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/MIN/minnesota-timberwolves/) [Celtics](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/BOS/boston-celtics/) beat the [76ers](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/PHI/philadelphia-76ers/). [Myles Turner](/nba/players/2152935/myles-turner/) and [Buddy Hield](/nba/players/2019264/buddy-hield/) are still here. The pick: Towns over 22.5 points [Portland Trail Blazers](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/POR/portland-trail-blazers/) at [Sacramento Kings](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/SAC/sacramento-kings/) [Tyrese Haliburton](/nba/players/3041074/tyrese-haliburton/) is healthy and awesome. [Zion Williamson](/nba/players/3042398/zion-williamson/) props. Brooklyn has perhaps the worst interior defense in the NBA, and that is going to be amplified with the absence of [Seth Curry](/nba/players/2089523/seth-curry/) and [Joe Harris](/nba/players/2135535/joe-harris/).

The No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft made a strong statement in his first career game.

Ultimately, the Magic went with Banchero, making him the fifth Duke player to be taken with the No. 1 Pick Paolo Banchero Reveals ‘Main Goal’](https://www.si.com/nba/magic/news/orlando-magic-paolo-banchero-rookie-year-award-jamahl-mosley?utm_source=recommendations&utm_medium=in-article&utm_campaign=end-of-story) Detroit’s Cade Cunningham also delivered in the first game of his sophomore season, scoring 18 points on 10 assists, though struggled a bit more from the field with a 6-for-16 performance. Banchero was efficient from the floor as well, making 11 of his 18 shot attempts, and became the first rookie since LeBron James to put up at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in an NBA debut. 1 pick in this year’s draft, did not disappoint in his first NBA game, scoring a game-high 27 points with nine rebounds and five assists as the Magic lost to the Pistons, 113–109. James, of course, entered the league with immense hype and immediate comparisons to Michael Jordan.

In his much-anticipated NBA debut, Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero joined some elite company. Banchero, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, ...

We got to be in this to grow and he showed us a lot tonight." "I felt like I left a lot of points on the board." In the end, the Magic went with Banchero, making him the 5th Duke draftee to be taken with the No. "It means a lot, I guess," the Italian-born player said after the game. Detroit's Cade Cunningham delivered as well, scoring 18 points with 10 assists, although he struggled a bit in his shooting percentages, as he went 6-16 from the field. James, in fact, entered the league with immense hype and comparisons to Michael Jordan.

No.1 pick breaks LeBron record in epic debut; Ja 'must watch' in OT thriller: NBA Wrap.

Utah was widely tipped to be among the lowly-ranked teams and in the race for likely No. The offence functioned its best in the stanza, and the defence slowed down the Grizzlies. Brunson then set up a game-tying Cam Reddish left-corner 3-pointer and drew a charge in the lane on Morant with 0.5 seconds to go, forcing overtime. The Knicks got themselves back into the game on the strength of a good third quarter. As the Knicks’ offence faded upon the starters return, settling for too many jumpers and missing seven of eight shots at one point, Memphis ripped off a 12-2 run. Pascal Siakam scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and O.G. When the Knicks went underneath the screen, Morant hit from distance. The result was a frustrating 115-112 overtime loss to the shorthanded Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. Hartenstein added 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists, and Randle notched 24 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. The Grizzlies went up four on Morant’s three-point play following a Steven Adams tip back. When the game was there for the taking, the big play eluded them at both ends of the floor. Jalen Brunson missed all three of his shot attempts in overtime.

Looking spry and explosive, Zion Williamson returned from an 18-month absence with 25 points and 9 rebounds.

Unrestricted free agency awaits Kyrie next summer; in the meantime, Irving has that much time to put opening night in the rearview and prove that it was a fluke. And while Durant, Irving and Simmons are all in uniform, the Nets can’t be accurately judged one way or another until Seth Curry and Joe Harris return to the rotation. Therefore, he comes into 2022-23 with plenty of incentive to (a) put aside his quirks, especially if they interfere with his play or threaten the team’s success, and (b) deliver a star-quality season. Question: When was the last time the Nets were at full strength since Durant and Irving teamed up in the summer of 2019? It’s the first of 82, and the Nets have clearly stated a desire to remain patient with Simmons … Kyrie shot just 6-for-19, missed all six of his 3-pointers, and when the Nets needed a second option, he couldn’t fulfill the role. The good news for the Nets is Kyrie is actually eligible to play at home, which wasn’t always the case last season because of his vaccination status. The success and failure of the Pelicans this season, therefore, will rest with what they can muster defensively. The force and rim-attacking and gentle touch around the basket all resurfaced and rekindled the image of Zion as a dominant player, which he was during most of the 85 games played in his short and injury-interrupted career. That said, the level of disappointment needs to be placed in the proper context: It wasn’t anything like his playoff game finish in Philly two years ago when he bypassed a layup over the Hawks’ Trae Young, and there won’t be any dreadful fallout from this game. He also showed a very solid cohesion with Brandon Ingram and the two Pelicans had a 1-2 inside-outside punch all night, with Ingram dropping 28 points. And yet, Simmons in Brooklyn looked suspiciously like the last time we saw Simmons in Philly.

DeMar DeRozan joins Michael Jordan in Bulls history, Rudy Gobert saves Wolves, and Atlanta's new backcourt goes off.

He made five of his nine 3-pointers and was a perfect 12 for 12 from the free-throw line (he was as annoying as ever with the bogus fall-down/landing-space fouls on 3-pointers, drawing a total of three of them with a four-point play). With a little over a minute to play and the Kings up one, Fox tried to force his way to the rim against a retreating Jerami Grant, but Grant never lost radar lock on Fox and took the hit right in the chest for a charge. Toronto was the only team in the league last season to boast five players who averaged at least 15 points per game, and all five of those guys put up at least 15 again in an opening-night victory over the Cavaliers. Curry's 3-point shot (4 for 13) was off for the most part on ring night for the Warriors, but it doesn't matter. Grant Williams, who was perfect from the field, including 3 of 3 from deep, and Malcolm Brogdon combined for 31 points off the bench. Morant finished with 34 points and nine assists, knocking down three of his six 3-pointers to get the Grizzlies off on the right foot. Devin Booker had 28 points, but it was Damion Lee, who scored all 11 of his points in the fourth quarter, who hit the game-winner with under 10 seconds to play. Throw in De'Andre Hunter, fresh off his $95 million extension, and John Collins combining for 46 points on a blistering 19-for-27 shooting, and the Hawks are off and running. Oh by the way, DeRozan joined Michael Jordan (who did it three times) as the only players in Bulls history to record at least 30 points, five assists and five rebounds in a season opener. He operated mostly as a screener in the half-court and made a few nice interior passes, but for the most part he was just another body running around out there. Here are some of the biggest opening-night(s) headlines with just two teams (Clippers and Bucks) yet to play a game. He made no real impact on the game, bricking his only two free throws and getting repeatedly bull-rushed by Williamson in the paint.

LOS ANGELES, Oct 20 — Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans opened their NBA season with a punishing 130-108 victory over the star-studded Nets in ...

In Memphis the Grizzlies thwarted the New York Knicks’ comeback bid for a 115-112 overtime victory. we’re a resilient team and it showed.” “It’s crazy,” said Williamson, the 2019 top draft pick who at 22 has already battled a raft of injuries. 1 draft pick Paolo Banchero. I’m just excited to go.” “I’m still learning my teammates...

Visit ESPN for the game recap of the New Orleans Pelicans vs. Brooklyn Nets NBA basketball game on October 19, 2022.

[Joe Harris](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2528794/joe-harris) (sore left foot) and [Seth Curry](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2326307/seth-curry) (left ankle) not ready for the start of the season. [Jonas Valanciunas](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6477/jonas-valanciunas) had 15 points and 13 rebounds and New Orleans outrebounded Brooklyn 61-39. [Patty Mills](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4004/patty-mills) had 16 points and Irving managed 15 on 6-for-19 shooting, going 0 for 6 from 3-point range. ... Irving addressed the crowd before the start of the game and made a plea for the return of WNBA star Brittney Griner from a Russian prison. Pelicans: Green said he could tell during the Pelicans' playoff run last season that Williamson had moved beyond the disappointment of injury rehab to excitement for playing again. “It’s very difficult going through injuries, especially when you’re really young and you’ve been working your tail off to try and be prepared to come in and help your team and you suffer a setback,” Green said. “So he had to navigate through all of those things. His basket-shaking dunk with about 8 1/2 minutes remaining brought some of the few cheers from a dejected crowd who watched the home team never lead and trail by as many as 26. A first-round exit — when Simmons never played because of back problems after being acquired for He fouled out early in the fourth quarter with four points, five rebounds and five assists, taking three shots. “It takes time," Simmons said. The No.

Here are the results and highlights from the NBA 2022-23 matches that took place on Wednesday - October 20, 2022.

Washington had 17 points and Gordon Hayward added 15 as all five Hornets starters scored in double figures. Rudy Gay scored 16 points, Malik Beasley had 15 and Mike Conley, the lone returning starter, had 13 as Utah had seven players in double-figure scoring. Julius Randle led the Knicks with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while reserve Cam Reddish added 22 points, making 9 of 15 shots from the field. Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland left the game in the second quarter after injuring his left eye in a collision with Raptors guard Gary Trent. Bickerstaff said Garland was bleeding from a cut inside the left eyelid after being poked in the eye by Trent with 3:51 to play in the first half. Jaylen Nowell, who had 13 points, put the Timberwolves ahead for good with his layup with 10:47 remaining. The Mavericks led 67-45 early in the third quarter and 93-80 with eight minutes left, but the Suns kept pushing. LaVine played in three of Chicago’s preseason games and experienced discomfort in recent days — which Bulls coach Billy Donovan said is to be expected, given that LaVine was limited for much of the summer. Jonas Valanciunas had 15 points and 13 rebounds. That knee had him in and out of the lineup last season and required surgery in May. He fouled out early in the fourth quarter with four points, five rebounds and five assists, taking three shots. Patty Mills had 16 points and Kyrie Irving managed 15 on 6-for-19 shooting, going 0 for 6 from 3-point range.

TOKYO: On a recent Sunday afternoon, a basketball fan in a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey took his seat for a pre-season NBA game in a sold-out arena.

The 2019 Japan Games featured the Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets. Before that, the last time the NBA played in Japan was 2003. That deal featured a logo patch on players’ jerseys and a partnership around merchandising. The crowd went nuts anytime Hachimura touched the ball. All of it was organised by the NBA and Rakuten Group Inc, a Japanese eCommerce giant that’s been leveraging its sponsorship of the Warriors to build name recognition in the US. Scores of people packed in to watch a pair of preseason games between the Washington Wizards – featuring Rui Hachimura, one of two Japanese players in the NBA – and the reigning champion Golden State Warriors.

Ben Simmons is back, Zion Williamson is ready to be unleashed and first-round draft pick Dyson Daniels is ready to make his NBA debut.

He has earned some minutes during the preseason.” “He is competing, he’s mature for 19. He works extremely hard. “That’s the message,” Nash said on encouraging Simmons to be aggressive with the ball. “The goal and the vision is for him to be the engine of this team [on] both sides of the ball,” Nash said. If Simmons is good to go though, Nash said the Nets have a clear idea on what sort of role the two-time All-Star will play in Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn Nets' offseason struggles continued in the regular season as they were run off the court by the New Orleans Pelicans, whose Big Three of Zion ...

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