NBA

The NBA Japan Games 2022 have come and gone, but Japanese fans are eager for more live viewing opportunities and the growth of the league in their country.

“Just to play in front of Japanese fans, it was a very special moment for me and the team and the country,” he said. “It was one of the great memories in my life,” he added. “I attended Game 1 and Saturday Night of the NBA Japan Games, Kokushi said. “This whole trip was special and different.” “It was a special moment for me, and this team, this country,” he said. “That’s what the game is about,” he said. While many Japanese kids play basketball in junior high and high school, its popularity as a spectator sport remains limited, so reaching adolescents at the age when basketball is a bigger part of their lives makes sense. “The best way to enjoy sports, not only the NBA, is to watch them live in an arena,” said Makoto Kokushi, a Los Angeles Lakers fan from Tokyo who works in the printing and publishing industry. Tanaka, for one, became an NBA fan in 2007 as a junior high school student when the league was still on TV, a fandom which has now persisted 15 years and counting. “Trying to build inspiration, confidence, fun for the next generation of kids that look up to us and love basketball, love sports.” “This showed us tons of Japanese guys love NBA Games.” And those experiences imprint, and make a level of difference.”

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.

1. A Sleeping Giant in Minnesota? The Minnesota Timberwolves were at the forefront of one of the biggest trades of this offseason, sending four players, four ...

[million dollars](https://www.spotrac.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/klay-thompson-8062/#:~:text=Klay%20Thompson%20signed%20a%205,dead%20cap%20value%20of%20%2440%2C600%2C080.) in each of the next two seasons. [Both](https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/jordan-poole-andrew-wiggins-extensions-fulfill-post-nba-finals-prophecy) Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins recently signed new four-year extensions, which puts the team in a suffocating bind financially. With two key cogs of The Victory Machine potentially out the door after this season, what does this team look like moving forward? And while he was arguably the team’s second-best player last season (No. And that’s without Williamson (a career 33.3% 3-point shooter) playing significant minutes. Remember, there are 150 starters in the NBA, so that means each of these guys is contributing starter-level production. White was not the engine of this voyage, but his blend of point-of-attack defense, screen navigation, and secondary ball handling gave the Celtics the necessary backcourt depth to help the engine get started. However, the naysayers are not giving enough credit to Gobert (a three-time Defensive Player of the Year) and his new coach, Chris Finch. And who knows, maybe shift a series in the process. But one could also posit that this version of Gobert is superior to the iteration of Chandler that anchored the Mavericks all the way to the NBA title. Along with Wagner, the roster houses Paolo Banchero (6-10), Wendell Carter Jr. [offensive pegasus](https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-blazing-the-trail-dirk-nowitzki-the-unicorn-that-became-world-champion-dallas-mavericks-dwane-casey-brad-davis-adrian-griffin-greg-buckner-kevin-durant-nikola-jokic) Dirk Nowitzki with defensive stalwart Tyson Chandler?

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.

Of the 17 NBA franchises featuring a Wildcat, eight have multiple Kentucky players. Detroit and Sacramento each have a trio of Wildcats on their roster while ...

1 overall (Derrick Rose – 2008, Wall – 2010, Davis – 2012, Towns – 2015). In the 2022-23 season alone, former UK players are slated to make nearly $330 million. Booker and Towns each earned their third NBA All-Star selection. – Los Angeles Clippers Of the 17 NBA franchises featuring a Wildcat, eight have multiple Kentucky players. Duke, with 24, is the only other school with more than 20 players in the NBA.

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.

The crowd went nuts anytime Hachimura touched the ball. Scores of people packed in to watch a pair of preseason games between the Washington Wizards — featuring This would have been unremarkable if not for the fact the game was taking place 5,000 miles away from US shores and the Cavaliers weren't even part of it.

Coach of the Year? Sixth Man? Best rookie? All-NBA? Sam predicts the future of the 2022-23 NBA season.

But he’s a remarkable competitor, and one of the smartest players in the league, like the quarterback who knows where the receiver will be. I’m going with my heart again with Lauri Markkanen second since with the tanking Jazz he’s going to get a lot of shots. If he survives the season and the nor’easters he gets in the top three along with Patrick Williams. I like the share these kinds of awards, but Smart would be in there again and may be better than everyone. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Chicago Bulls. It’s too automatic and unimaginative to give the award to the No. This is the award I like the least because of its arbitrary nature and varying definitions and standards. I watched him occasionally with LeBron’s asterisk bubble title a few years back, and he seemed something of a mini Scalabrine with the head band and standing ovations in garbage time. But nobody in the NBA today—sorry, LeBron—makes a difference in games and winning like Curry does, and that’s what the award is about. The rest my my ballot would be Miami’s Erik Spoelstra, whom I think now is the best in game coach in the league, but I guess I’m just as guilty for again denying him the award he’s never won and probably should have three times. The complication, of course, in all of this is the Victor Wembanyana race to the bottom. Nobody still impacts the league more than Curry, and that’s what the award is about.

The 2022-23 NBA season tips off Tuesday, and our fantasy basketball experts are here to talk about the best players they see readily available on the free ...

[Herbert Jones](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277813/herbert-jones) or [Cameron Johnson](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3138196/cameron-johnson). -- Cregan [Malik Beasley](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907822/malik-beasley), SG, [Utah Jazz](/nba/team/_/name/utah/utah-jazz) (46.3% rostered) For those in deeper formats, rookie wing [Bennedict Mathurin](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4683634/bennedict-mathurin) (14.3%) shined in the preseason and could be surprisingly productive early in his career in Rick Carlisle's fantasy-friendly system. A 24/7 threat to deal their one marquee low-post player ( [Myles Turner](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3133628/myles-turner)). Fast forward to today, and he's come into the season in great shape and is a serious contender for the Most Improved Player Award. [Myles Turner](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3133628/myles-turner) is back in the fold, but the longer play includes him breaking out in an unrestricted role for a lottery-bound Indiana team. While we don't know exactly what the plan is for the Jazz this season, we do know that Beasley is still only 25 years old, and that he showed during his time with the Timberwolves at the end of the 2019-20 season and over the whole of the 2020-21 season that he is fully capable of volume scoring on good percentages with excellent contributions from 3-point range. [Bones Hyland](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4592492/bones-hyland), PG, [Denver Nuggets](/nba/team/_/name/den/denver-nuggets) (24% rostered) Hyland has gotten a lot of buzz this offseason for the Nuggets. Adams doesn't score much or block many shots, but only 12 qualified players averaged double-digit rebounds last season, and he was one of them. [Jalen Smith](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4397189/jalen-smith), PF, [Indiana Pacers](/nba/team/_/name/ind/indiana-pacers) (56.4% rostered) [Steven Adams](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2991235/steven-adams), C, [Memphis Grizzlies](/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies) (45.9% rostered)

The Golden State Warriors won last season's NBA Finals after opening up with +1200 odds. Nothing wrong with that payout. This season the Warriors are the ...

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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.

Follow all the action live with Yahoo Sports from both opening games.

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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.

Two big matchups involving four of the NBA's marquee franchises provides a glorious opening night of the 2022-23 regular season. Max Sussman provides his ...

[Golden State Warriors](/basketball/nba/teams/golden-state-warriors/) (-6, -245) – 10:30 p.m. Tucker](/basketball/nba/players/p-j-tucker/229602) OVER 0.5 three-pointers made as well. The NBA’s top sneakerhead has built a career on hitting corner threes, and he averaged nearly two made threes per game during the time he played with [James Harden](/basketball/nba/players/james-harden/395388) in Houston. Jumping on the OVER on Joel Embiid’s points (27.5) is one of my favourite player props of the night. Anthony Davis has been abandoned by his jump shot over the last two seasons, something the Warriors are surely aware of. Golden State was elite against the spread at home last season, covering 60.4 per cent of the time as As I said in my piece about my year-long betting strategies, I love Wiggins when that number is below 8.5, so give me Andrew Wiggins OVER 6.5 rebounds. I like Philadelphia (+2.5) to win this game outright, so I’ll take the points the books are giving. The rebounding total for He averaged more than 30 a game last season, he’s going to be angry all year about not winning the MVP, and he’ll be the biggest and best man in the paint no matter who Boston puts on the floor. The Sixers seem like the team most likely to make the leap from playoff team to true title contender. Bust out Andy Williams because it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

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.

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.

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."

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 35 points as Boston Celtics beat Philadelphia 76ers.

Boston outscored Philadelphia 35-25 in the third quarter and led 98-88 entering the final 12 minutes. Brown tossed in 18 and Tatum had 16 before the break. The Celtics wore “City Edition” alternate uniforms as a tribute to Hall of Fame centre Bill Russell, who died in July at age 88. NBA players are honouring Russell’s legacy by wearing a commemorative patch with Russell’s No. James Harden led Philadelphia with 35 points, while Joel Embiid added 26 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Embiid won the NBA scoring title last season by averaging 30.6 points per game.

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.

'Tis the season for NBA prognosticating, with the league returning to the court for 2022-23 on Tuesday night. We released our forecast, which is based on ...

And you can keep track of how both systems view your favorite team all season long by checking out ESPN’s [BPI playoff odds](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/BPI-Playoff-Odds/espn-nba-basketball-power-index-playoff-odds) and [team ratings](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/Basketball-Power-Index/espn-nba-basketball-power-index), and [our NBA predictions dashboard](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2023-nba-predictions/). [injury Khris Middleton is still recovering from](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1582015598204424192) (remember, these are all current ratings), which takes a bite out of Milwaukee’s [projected rotation strength](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2023-nba-predictions/bucks/). [performance last season](https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIL/2022.html) — while RAPTOR flips that around to a No. [1](#fn-1) [how much those players are projected to play](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/how-were-improving-our-nba-forecast-for-2022-23/), but BPI uses [Real Plus/Minus](http://www.espn.com/nba/statistics/rpm) as the basis of its player ratings (rather than RAPTOR) and has a self-regulating mechanism to adjust a team’s projections when it over- or underperforms the combined RPM values of its players. [3](#fn-3) [defense of Brook Lopez](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/nba-player-ratings/?player=Brook%20Lopez&season=2021), who should be healthy again after missing all but 13 games last regular season. For Milwaukee, the difference is more on the offensive side of the ball – although the two systems’ disagreement on the Bucks is fairly comprehensive. 1 while RAPTOR ranks it No. However, there are some teams that each system likes (or dislikes) slightly more than the other: But we aren’t the only ones peering into the crystal (basket)ball: ESPN also [released a forecast](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/BPI-Playoff-Odds/espn-nba-basketball-power-index-playoff-odds) based its own rating system, the [Basketball Power Index](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/Basketball-Power-Index/espn-nba-basketball-power-index), which tracks team strength slightly differently than RAPTOR does. 13). We Both metrics adjust for strength of schedule, rest days and game location, building ratings from the bottom up based on the estimated talent of the players on each roster and [2](#fn-2) [Elo-ized form](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/how-we-calculate-nba-elo-ratings/) for [current rosters](https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2023-nba-predictions/warriors/).

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.

By the numbers: The average cost for a ticket, parking and concessions is $185. That ranks 10th lowest in the NBA, according to Bookies.com.

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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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.

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.

Buzzer, a mobile platform for live sports aimed at young people, has renewed its deals with the NBA and WNBA. The platform allows fans to watch games via ...

“We look at our partnership with FanDuel as one of a user engagement tool for NBA and WNBA games,” Han said. FanDuel’s odds are integrated into the Buzzer app, and ads for Buzzer appear in FanDuel’s app. In a lot of ways, it’s optimized for a device that the next generation engages with and uses.” With the FanDuel partnership, fans who bet on NBA or WNBA games through FanDuel are alerted to watch them via Buzzer. It involves Buzzer distributing live moments from boxing matches DAZN airs with the goal of people watching the clips and signing up for DAZN. In addition, young fans also are typically glued to their mobile phones searching social media and the internet, so Buzzer was created as a mobile platform that those fans could easily access. “The goal here is how do we become a bridge to the next generation and how do we address an audience that is not addressed by television,” Han said. “For a two-year-old startup, it’s incredible affirmation and I’m looking forward to seeing how Buzzer will continue to innovate and roll out features that bring mobile-first basketball fans back to the live window.” They can also purchase full access to NBA League Pass, which costs $99.99 for the entire season without commercials, and the WNBA League Pass, which cost $24.99 for the 2022 season that ended last month. The company, which now has 42 full-time employees according to Han, raised a $4 million seed round in March 2020 and a $20 million Series A round in March 2021, which was led by Sapphire Sport and Canaan Partners. Before founding Buzzer, Han was the director of live content at Twitter, where he negotiated deals with professional sports leagues to stream their games on the platform. “The market dynamics have shifted quite a bit as everyone has seen and experienced,” Han said.

Every member of the deep Golden State roster had a moment to shine in Tuesday's win over the Lakers.

A team with 11 players deserving of significant minutes is a blessing and a curse, and the Warriors understand that just one game into the season. [Boston Celtics](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/BOS/boston-celtics/). [Moses Moody](/nba/players/3177810/moses-moody/), who nearly every Warrior says plays and behaves beyond his years, looked like he was going to be the odd man out Tuesday night. Figuring out the secret sauce is going to be the key to the 2022-23 season. But even without a field goal, the 20-year-old showed how valuable he can be as a defender with his athleticism and versatility. [Andre Iguodala](/nba/players/498289/andre-iguodala/) when he's finally ready to play. So you have to just be patient with it, and we've all gone through it at some point in your career." Both said that Warriors observers needn't worry about the on-court chemistry between the two, and they proved it with one of the signature highlights of opening night, Poole's picture-perfect pocket pass to Green for a layup in the second quarter. They, like the veterans, each had a moment in the spotlight Tuesday night. [Kevon Looney](/nba/players/2152976/kevon-looney/) did what Kevon Looney does, putting up modest counting stats (seven points, six rebounds, two assists), but finishing at a team-high plus-30 in his 21 minutes. "He's just really good," Kerr said after the game. The Warriors' motto, "Strength in Numbers," is never more evident than on ring night.

11 teams have at least a 5% chance of winning the title this season, per FiveThirtyEight.

[2014-15](https://champsorchumps.us/records/most-nba-wins-since-2015): Golden State (429) and Toronto (401). [top 25 players](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34626241/nbarank-2022-ranking-best-players-2022-23-25-11): Karl-Anthony Towns (13), Gobert (18) and Anthony Edwards (25). [sale of the team](https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/09/22/robert-sarver-sell-phoenix-suns-what-is-next)looms. [FiveThirtyEight](https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/everyones-a-favorite-in-our-2022-23-nba-forecast/). [Ime Udoka's suspension](https://www.axios.com/2022/09/23/ime-udoka-suspension-boston-celtics)affect them? [any in recent memory](https://www.theringer.com/nba/2022/10/18/23409848/nba-title-race-2022-23-celtics-bucks-clippers-warriors).

With big names changing teams across the league this offseason, Yahoo Sports asked players around the association to share the matchups they're most looking ...

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Tom Goldman is NPR's sports correspondent. His reports can be heard throughout NPR's news programming, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and ...

And Golden State beat LeBron James and the LA Lakers. All the talk is about their depth and how Coach Kerr is going to have trouble finding playing time for all of his very good players, none better than guard Steph Curry, who last night at age 34 looked as good as ever. A video of the incident was leaked, and head coach Steve Kerr called it the biggest crisis his team had faced during his tenure. PFEIFFER: Last night, the NBA season started. PFEIFFER: Tom, baseball first and the two league championship series. But Tatis was banned a couple of months ago after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug, and the expectations for the Padres plummeted after that. About those last two - a new NBA season began yesterday, and the Major League Baseball playoffs are down to four teams. Am I right to say one of those series feels like a surprise and the other was totally predictable? The surprise is in the National League, where the Philadelphia Phillies are playing the San Diego Padres. And along the way to that title, they beat the Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Houston, as we know, was found to have illegally stolen signs during the 2017 season, when the Astros won the World Series. sports fans, it's that time of year when four major pro leagues are all underway - football, hockey, baseball and basketball.

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.

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.

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)

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/).

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.

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.

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)

Everything you need to know to place your NBA bets and set your fantasy basketball lineups for Wednesday's 12-game slate.

[Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4278073/shai-gilgeous-alexander). [Seth Curry](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2326307/seth-curry) (ankle), [Joe Harris](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2528794/joe-harris) (ankle), [T.J. [Donovan Mitchell](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3908809/donovan-mitchell). Warren](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2982334/tj-warren) (foot), [Kira Lewis Jr](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395698/kira-lewis-jr). [Otto Porter Jr](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2594922/otto-porter-jr). -Moody [Denver Nuggets](/nba/team/_/name/den/denver-nuggets) at [Utah Jazz](/nba/team/_/name/utah/utah-jazz) [Trae Young](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277905/trae-young) double-double (+159). [Vernon Carey Jr](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4431669/vernon-carey-jr). [Tyrese Haliburton](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4396993/tyrese-haliburton) over 15.5 points. [Jaren Jackson Jr](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277961/jaren-jackson-jr). [Jalen Brunson](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3934672/jalen-brunson) over 18.5 points. [Ja Morant](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4279888/ja-morant) has done nothing but seize the moment.

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.

Who is MVP? Who gets Victor Wembanyama? And who are the dark horses?

In the East, the Sixers will most likely be the last team standing due to Embiid’s dominance, Harden’s return to form, and team defense. With one championship and a cabinet full of individual awards under his belt, the only thing left for Giannis to do to strengthen his resume is to add a couple of rings to his oversized Greek mitt. In addition to the natural improvement of their still (surprisingly) young star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston had a productive off-season. But only one year removed from the Eastern Conference finals, the Hawks have an opportunity to finish in the top-three in the East with All-Star Dejounte Murray joining Trae Young (who led the league in points and assists last season) in the backcourt. It might be hyperbolic to call the“underrated,” as a lot of people are excited to see what they look like after holding their own in last season’s playoffs against the then-juggernaut Phoenix Suns. Even with the Ben Simmons controversy hovering over the Sixers last season,put up the best numbers of his career and finished second in the MVP race. With an already talented roster and a history of drafting and developing young superstars, Oklahoma City is the ideal landing spot. He has the size, skill, and confidence to stand out amongst his peers. It would be interesting for thehaving just moved on from the 7ft 1in Frenchman Rudy Gobert, to land the 7ft 4in Frenchman Wembanyama as a replacement. They’re due for a renaissance in south Texas, and we know the Spurs are no stranger to international talent, so it makes sense on several levels. But with his new role as a sixth man, Westbrook (who averaged 18/7/7 last season) will feast against second units and remind the league of why he’s a future Hall of Famer. With more teams bowing out of competitive basketball to tank, the trade options for Westbrook’s contract are about to become a lot more plentiful, and the team will look different by the trade deadline.

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.

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.

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans opened their NBA season with a punishing 130-108 victory over the star-studded Nets in Brooklyn on Wednesday.

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...