Surprise Sixers There may not be much buzz locally for the Philadelphia 76ers’ home opener on Saturday night, but Andre Iguodala’s unheralded club already has shown early signs of being more competitive than expected. Iguodala and the 76ers open a four-game homestand when they welcome the New Jersey Nets to the Wachovia Center.
Author: Anthony Rome
Still Looking for No. 1 The Golden State Warriors haven’t been the same since becoming the first No. 8 seed to knock off a No. 1 seed in a seven-game first-round playoff series last spring. The Utah Jazz are the main reason why. The Warriors try again for their first win of the season on Saturday when they visit Utah, the team that eliminated Golden State from the playoffs last May and sent it to a defeat in the teams’ season opener.
Mavs Get a Boost Josh Howard makes his season debut for the Dallas Mavericks in their home opener when they meet the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
Overcoming Adversity From the moment the Los Angeles Clippers step on the floor for the first time, they’ll be trying to overcome adversity. Without their leading scorer and a key member of the backcourt, the Clippers open the season against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night at Staples Center.
Underachievers The San Jose Sharks admit they played below expectations in the first month of the season. The NHL’s schedule maker, however, didn’t do them any favors in October. The Sharks play at HP Pavilion for the first time in two weeks Friday night when they face the Pacific Division rival Los Angeles Kings in the front end of a home-and-home series.
Battle in New Orleans The Hornets looked right at home in New Orleans in their season opener. They’ll be trying to put on a similar show for their home fans on Friday when they face the Portland Trail Blazers.
Where’s the Defense? The Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence. Being the league’s worst defensive team is not going to help them get there. The Maple Leafs look to win their third consecutive road game Friday night when they play the first of four straight away from home against the New Jersey Devils.
West Showdown Kobe Bryant remains a member of the Los Angeles Lakers – for now. With the most recent trade rumor put to rest, Bryant will turn his attention to helping the Lakers try to earn their first win Friday when they visit the Phoenix Suns, who have knocked Los Angeles out of the playoffs each of the past two seasons.
Right Where We Left Off The San Antonio Spurs are picking up right where they left off. The reigning NBA champions look to open a season with three consecutive wins for the first time in seven years Friday night when they host the Sacramento Kings.
Home not so Sweet Although home openers haven’t been very kind to the Chicago Bulls lately, they’re still a lot better than another game in New Jersey. The Bulls look to rebound from a season-opening loss Friday night when they face the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center.