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NBA Season Preview 2017-18: 5 things to watch for on Opening Night

By Dre Elder

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 2: Gordon Hayward #20 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics are seen during the game against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on October 2, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 2: Gordon Hayward #20 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics are seen during the game against the Charlotte Hornets during a preseason game on October 2, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TULSA, OK- OCTOBER 3: Chris Paul
TULSA, OK- OCTOBER 3: Chris Paul /

4. How will Houston defend Golden State?

Daryl Morey believes James Harden and Chris Paul are a “historic pairing.” The perennial All-Stars are two of the league’s best playmakers. Thus, few are questioning the Houston Rockets’ ability to get buckets. However, there are questions about how two ball-dominant players will co-exist. In addition, how will the Rockets defend the vaunted Golden State Warriors’ attack?

Patrick Beverley is a two-time All-Defensive team selection. He’s a nuisance, but now plays in Los Angeles. Houston will rely on the 32-year-old Paul to bother Steph Curry. Paul was first in Defensive Real Plus-Minus among point guards last season. He’s also a nine-time All-Defensive team selection, but those credentials have not helped him against Curry in recent memory. Curry is averaging 29 points per game against Paul over their last five meetings.

Also, never forget:

James Harden is a defensive liability so, can he be trusted to chase Klay Thompson for 35 minutes? Trevor Ariza is a respectable defensive player, but he’s no match for Kevin Durant, who averaged 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in two games against the Rockets last season. The addition of P.J. Tucker won’t keep Steve Kerr up at night. As for Ryan Anderson, nevermind.

Houston beat Golden State last season. They held them to 41 percent shooting in the process. But they did need two overtimes to do it. And it was an early December game when the Warriors were still figuring things out. Houston lost their next three games versus Golden State. Let’s face it, the Rockets’ best defense against the Warriors will be their offense. Houston finished 18th in defensive rating a season ago and they’re now lacking in depth.

However, Daryl Morey says his team has closed the gap and the Warriors are “not unbeatable.”

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