Opening Night Predictions

Washington vs. Dallas
Dallas reloaded with the addition of Shawn Marion to an already good team, but I don't think he is going to turn them into a defensive stopper. Jason Kidd is old, but he is still one of the greatest point guards of all time so I don't think age should be too much of an issue. The Mavericks also picked up Drew Gooden, who is said to possibly take the starting center position away from Erick Dampier. On the other hand, the Wizards are guard heavy to the max. They have six guys who could quite possibly be deserving of playing time, but one or two will probably end up getting bench splinters. Washington has Gilbert Arenas, Randy Foye, Caron Butler, Nick Young, Deshawn Stevenson, and Mike Miller all at the guards. If Antawn Jamison can stay healthy, he is one of the most reliable players in the league. I am also very impressed with the emergence of the young center, JaVale McGee.
My prediction: I will take Dallas with a 12 point victory at home.

Houston vs. Portland
Houston is young, simply put. No Yao Ming, possibly no Tracy McGrady could mean trouble. The young Rockets are led by Aaron Brooks, Luis Scola, Carl Landry, and newly acquired Trevor Ariza. If they play as hard as they did in last year's playoffs they should be alright, but still out of the playoffs in the west. Then there is the Portland Trail Blazers, they were always team on the rise and now finally they have grown into a contender. Brandon Roy is officially a superstar, and with the extension Lamarcus Aldridge just signed, he is now a franchise player. The future is bright.
My prediction: Portland by 7, Houston plays tough.

Clippers vs. Lakers
As we all know, the Clippers selected Blake Griffin with the #1 pick. With the #1 pick comes a rebuilding season. A healthy Baron Davis should help, so should Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby. Blake Griffin is already having injury problems, and we probably won't see the former Sooner tomorrow night. The Clippers also have young players like Eric Gordon and Al Thornton that need to step up this season. We all know about that other team in L.A., the heavyweights, the all-star team, the champions. The Lakers come back this season with the same roster with a determined Andrew Bynum, growing Shannon Brown, and defensive stopper Ron Artest. Good luck to the rest of the west, the east will test them this year though.
My prediction: Lakers by 18, it's ring night.

Boston vs. Cleveland
Hands down, the game of the night. I also think a preview of the eastern conference championship. Lebron cannot do it by himself, see 2007 finals. The acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal is huge, literally. The supporting cast has also grown with Leon Powe and Anthony Parker. Something tells me Delonte West will not last long this season, but oh well. Could this be Lebron's year? The mighty Celtics are back. The big 3 is still there, but really none of them are as important as the play of Rajon Rondo. Garnett must stay healthy and Rasheed must control his temper. I would love to see another Boston vs. L.A. finals.
My prediction: Cavs take it by 5 in their homecoming, but Celtics win the east when all is said and done.