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The Toronto Raptors will open their title defense later tonight when they host the new-look New Orleans Pelicans at the Scotiabank Arena.
Here are some reasons why the defending NBA champions will open the season on a positive note:
1. Highly motivated Raptors
The first home game of the regular season is always exciting for the defending NBA champions as this is when they'll receive their oh-so coveted rings. The Raptors will surely be energized and motivated after the ring ceremony, and this will translate in their season opener.
Toronto is already beginning the season with a chip on its shoulder. With the departure of reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, many have already written off the Raptors as favorites to repeat.
Nobody but the Raptors themselves believe that they can go back-to-back. With this being the first game of the new season, look for Toronto to come out and make a statement; a statement to prove that they will not just fade into the limelight as many predict them to do.
2. No Zion for the Pels
New Orleans Pelicans super-rookie Zion Williamson will miss their season opener and will be out for six to eight weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. This news came out of nowhere, as the Pelicans are as puzzled as we are from where the injury originated.
New Orleans was projected to be one of the most exciting League Pass teams this season. Much of this has to do with their super rookie and the rest of their young core.
Williamson looked like the real deal in preseason and helped steer New Orleans to an undefeated record. However, this out-of-nowhere injury halts any of the momentum that the Pelicans built off of Williamson's impressive preseason.
You have to imagine that the Pelicans may feel a little deflated right now with the situation. That, paired with a motivated Toronto squad, spells doom for New Orleans on later tonight.
3. The Raps are just better
Obviously, the Zion injury puts a major buzzkill to what should have been an exciting game between the veteran-laden defending champions and the new kids on the block. Still, even if Williamson did not get hurt, it's arguable that the Raptors still have a better roster than the Pelicans.
Reigning Most Improved Player Pascal Siakam, fresh off a huge payday, looks to take the next step as the main man in Toronto. They also still have a steady veteran trio of Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka, and Marc Gasol, while guys such as Fred VanVleet, O.G. Anunoby, and Norman Powell look to take on bigger roles with the departures of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.
The Raptors already have an established familiarity with each other. The continuity is still there given that much of the core that helped them win the title is still intact. Likewise, head coach Nick Nurse is still calling the shots on the sidelines. The Pelicans, on the other hand, are welcoming a lot of new faces on their squad.
These, along with the other reasons stated above, all point to a Raptors win over the Pelicans later tonight.
