NBA's opening week is upon us. The schedule makers have given fans a slew of intriguing matchups, many of which will broadcast on national television. But there are a handful of NBA League Pass games worth watching this week.
Whether it's a fast-paced matchup out West or a grudge match between two teams looking for respect in the East, there's no shortage of compelling basketball. So download your free trial of NBA League Pass and bask in the glory of NBA basketball
Minnesota Timberwolves @ San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 p.m. ET, 10/17
One year ago, a matchup between the Timberwolves and the Spurs would have looked a lot different. San Antonio has parted ways with their disgruntled star — Kawhi Leonard. Meanwhile, Tom Thibodeau and the Timberwolves are enduring a similar breakup with a superstar.
All eyes will be on that superstar in this game. Jimmy Butler is certain that he wants out of Minnesota by way of a trade, but he will suit up on opening night. How he coexists with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins will be must-watch television.
The Spurs, on the other hand, will trot out DeMar DeRozan for the first time. Spurned by the Toronto Raptors, DeRozan enters this season with a chip on his shoulder. San Antonio has made the playoffs an astounding 21 straight seasons. Will a lineup powered by LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan be enough in the loaded Western Conference this season?
This game features two teams reeling from similar situations. Let's see how they start off the year.
New York Knicks @ Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m. ET, 10/19
The New York Knicks won't win many games this year. The Brooklyn Nets believe they can contend for a playoff spot, but they'll have to prove themselves before anyone buys in. So why is this matchup compelling? There's a rivalry brewing in the Big Apple.
The Knicks and Nets are both amidst rebuilds and although they are in different stages of that rebuild, they both want to take their place as the best team in New York. Spencer Dinwiddie and Enes Kanter exchanged jabs throughout the summer. The trash talk was in good fun, but there's definitely some competitive tension between the two squads.
You won't see this matchup in a playoff series this year, but both teams are trending in the right direction. After a long offseason with some chatter between the crosstown rivals, this game could get chippy.
Indiana Pacers @ Milwaukee Bucks, 8:30 p.m. ET, 10/19
The Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks are two teams that are getting overlooked in the Eastern Conference. The consensus seems to be that the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and Philadelphia 76ers will compete for a trip to the NBA Finals.
But Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Oladipo might have something to say to that.
Antetokounmpo is a bonafide superstar who could compete for the MVP this season. Mike Budenholzer takes over as head coach and the hope is that he can take the Bucks to the next level. Giannis might be the best player in the conference and there's no reason why Milwaukee shouldn't be able to compete with the likes of Boston, Toronto, and Philly.
Oladipo isn't quite at Antetokounmpo's level yet, but the reigning Most Improved Player took a gigantic leap forward last season. He became a legitimate star that can lead the charge on offense while simultaneously stifling the opposing team's best player.
These teams have to prove themselves before people begin to count them among the top teams in the East, but they certainly have the star power to do so. Watching Giannis and Oladipo square off is worth the price of admission — well worth the price of NBA League Pass that is.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30 p.m. ET, 10/19
It doesn't look like Russell Westbrook is going to play in Oklahoma City's opening night game against the Golden State Warriors. It's unclear when he will be ready to play, but there's a decent chance that Westbrook returns for Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. If so, any game Russ plays in is captivating. Whether you love him or hate him, everyone has an opinion on Westbrook.
If Russ doesn't play, the Thunder still have Paul George to lead the way. It's year two of the Paul George experiment in Oklahoma City and there will be a lot of pressure on the Thunder to get off to a strong start.
The Clippers aren't a team that will grab your attention every night, but they are one of the many teams in the Western Conference who believe they can compete for a playoff spot this season. How they play against Oklahoma City will tell us a lot about whether they are the real deal.
The Clippers lack a legitimate star, but they feature a number of feisty players. Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, and Avery Bradley will harass opposing backcourts and frustrate defenses all year.
Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets, 8:00 p.m. ET, 10/21
This is a gripping matchup. The Golden State Warriors are the class of the league and they are coming into the season with a target on their backs. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait to see DeMarcus Cousins suit up for the Warriors. His timetable is still unknown. Fans will have to settle for a starting lineup with four All-Stars instead of five.
The Denver Nuggets are a young, fast-paced team looking to take the next step this season. They narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season and they are determined to make sure that doesn't happen again.
Nikola Jokic is one of the best big men in the league and his unique brand of basketball makes the Nuggets a League Pass favorite. Jokic's vision and passing ability allow Mike Malone to run the offense through the big Serbian. Scoring guards like Jamal Murray and Gary Harris benefit from playing with Jokic and their up-tempo pace should make this matchup with the Warriors an opening week treat.
This game definitely has potential as a first-round playoff matchup as well.
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