The 2015-16 NBA season is underway with the Golden State Warriors starting their defense on a high note.
The Warriors were one of six teams that officially opened their season, thumping the New Orleans Pelicans 111-95. Steph Curry showed no signs of rust, finishing with 40 points in leading Golden State.
In another matchup, it was a rematch between the two protagonists of the Eastern Conference Finals – the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls. It took a key block by Pau Gasol on Lebron James and a deflection by Jimmy Butler in the closing seconds to preserve the win (97-95).
After the first day, three of the favored teams were able to give NBA fans a glimpse of things to come for their respective campaigns. Obviously, the Warriors find themselves in a tougher division with a lot of teams coming in with vastly improved rosters. Can the Warriors weather the storm?
Wild, Wild Western Conference
The Warriors have one thing going for them – they are coming in practically intact which should work to their advantage. Steve Kerr may not be calling the shots yet, but all that should be excusable for now. It is when they go up against the dangerous teams that need close scrutiny, particularly the one against the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Spurs are favorites as well with the addition of LaMarcus Aldridge and David West. The front line may be one of the best in the Western Conference and such should give opposing teams matchup problems. Still and all, the Spurs are among the favorites especially with Gregg Popovich calling the shots.
The Los Angeles Clippers seem solid, but one has to wonder if the older players can keep up with the younger players this season. With a stellar cast, the Clippers are looking to make a breakthrough this season though somehow there is still something missing.
Other teams favored this season include the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder, all of which are aiming to dethrone the Warriors and make it to the final dance.
The teams do have talented players in their fold but in the end it may be about chemistry and the success rate of execution that will make the difference.
Beasts of the East
The Cavs have everything going their way this season. They have almost the same core from last season and injured players are on the mend. As long as they can properly manage the likes of Lebron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, the Cavs can look forward to winning their first NBA title.
But that patch won’t be easy. They have the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat among the squads expected to give them some problems while the rest are unpredictable. The Atlanta Hawks are still out there while the Pacers seem to be a dark horse as well.
Compared to the Western Conference, the Eastern division seems to have unpredictable teams that could join the top four.
Fearless Forecast
This early, a looming rematch between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers should be a safe bet. The Warriors may have to deal with other teams, but their closest competitor is the Memphis Grizzlies.
Why the Grizzlies? Well for one the team is practically intact and boasts of a good frontline in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. The team does lack a reliable shooter to fill up other gaps, but the chemistry is there.
The Spurs may have chemistry issues, so with the Clippers. The Rockets still seem to be missing something while the Thunder don’t seem to be as dangerous before even with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook back in harness.
The eventual champion? Cleveland Cavaliers.