Finally, Derrick Rose is back to playing basketball. After a year and a half long absence due to a prolonged leg injury (ACL), David Stern rewarded our hero with a game against the defending champion Miami Heat. (Derrick Rose: 4-15 FGM, 1-7 3PM / 12 points, 4 assists, 5 turnovers) The Bulls might be ready for the Heat in May, when the playoffs are back, but they were out classed by the champions last night. They could have used a game against an easier opponent to start with. The Miami Heat have one of the best transition defenses in the league, led by last years league MVP Lebron James.
Meanwhile the Magic and Pacers opened the season in what was an obvious mismatch on paper. The Magic want the number 1 pick in the draft and the Pacers want the #1 seed in the East. Roy Hibbert looked amazing. (Roy Hibbert: 8 points, 16 rebounds, 7 blocks) Here we see the joys of having an elite shot blocker. Weirdly, David West, not known as an elite shot blocker had 5 blocks (tied for most in his career).
The biggest blowout was in the Battle for LA, Lakers vs. Clippers. The game itself ended up being surprising with the Lakers winning in dominating fashion. (Xavier Henry 22 points, 6 rebounds)As a result of the Lakers win, they have the best record in the conference.
Unless you're a fan of those teams, the season opens tonight (every team other than Chicago and the Clippers has a game tonight). Some of the games look like mismatches on paper (Rockets/Bobcats, Heat 76ers) and some feature rosters that are generally the same as they were last year or are otherwise not particularly interesting (Spurs/Grizzlies). However there are a couple of match-ups that I'm interested in watching.
Games to watch tonight
**League pass is free all week. Just a heads up.
Wizards @ Pistons 5:30 PM
The Wizards just traded their troublesome center Emeka Okafor for Marcin Gortat a solid, if unspectacular center. The team could be very interesting as the Eastern Conference playoff race goes on. Also, the Pistons spent the offseason upgrading at PG (Brandon Jennings, hurt) and adding a new big man (Josh Smith). This should make for an interesting matchup that's fun to watch.
Pacers @ Pelicans 6:00 PM
Do you like blocked shots? (Spoiler: If you don't this might not be your blog to read). Anthony Davis and Roy Hibbert will be in the same game.
Hawks @ Mavericks 6:30 PM
The Atlanta Hawks and Mavericks are both fringe playoff teams. I like the moves they made in the offseason (adding Paul Millsap for the Hawks and adding Calderon and Ellis for the Mavericks)
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