Fansided

Five things to watch for during the first big night of the NBA season

By Matt Cianfrone

MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball in the third quarter during a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at BMO Harris Bradley Center on October 13, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball in the third quarter during a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at BMO Harris Bradley Center on October 13, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Opening night in the NBA was, for the most part, a blast. After a few insane but still long months of not having basketball that counts, the Celtics, Cavaliers, Rockets and Warriors gave basketball fans two close, exciting games to usher back in meaningful basketball. But Tuesday was just an appetizer setting us up for Wednesday night’s main course of 11 games.

After a summer full of chaos, there are plenty of questions and things to watch for as so many teams start their season. So let’s dig into five that seem extra juicy.

What exactly are the 76ers going to look like early in the year? 

Thanks to some knee problems that kept Markelle Fultz out of action for part of the preseason, Brett Brown has decided not to start the rookie for at least the season opener. That likely means veteran Jerryd Bayless gets the nod as a starter around J.J. Redick, Robert Covington, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.

But how much does Fultz play with the other 76ers youngsters? How does Embiid’s early minutes limit change Brown’s rotations? Who is Embiid going to trash talk in those 15 minutes? These are all important questions for the 76ers both in actual basketball terms and in making sure they reach the lofty ceiling of fun they seem to have. Wednesday is the first real time to find an answer.

Which 2016 Eastern Conference disappointment gets off to the right start? 

The Pistons and Hornets both disappointed last season. Injuries played a part for both as Reggie Jackson and Cody Zeller missed significant time, and it impacted both teams in a major way. Now they open 2017 against each other.

Charlotte is still banged up — Nicolas Batum is projected to miss a while due to an elbow injury, which stinks — and it makes it tough to evaluate them early on. The Hornets backcourt depth is terrible, so it would not be a surprise to see them struggle until Batum returns.

That means the Pistons probably should win on their home floor, but trying to predict Detroit is a futile task. Maybe this season Andre Drummond cares on defense. Maybe teammates won’t hate Reggie Jackson. Or neither of those things happen and the Pistons end up in the lottery again.

With all that in mind, Wednesday feels like a fairly important opener for both squads.

What does the new New Orleans offense look like? 

The Pelicans hired Chris Finch away from the Nuggets this summer in hopes he could revamp their offense with Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins as the centerpieces. Then New Orleans dealt with a number of injuries, because of course, leaving them with Tony Allen possibly starting in their opener. That isn’t ideal.

Wednesday probably won’t be the version of the offense Finch originally had in mind when he entered training camp, but it should be fun to see.

The new era in Minnesota

Jimmy Butler really likes having the ball. Karl-Anthony Towns really likes having the ball. Andrew Wiggins really, really likes having the ball. All are paid very well. All probably view themselves as franchise players. Only one can have the ball at a time. This could be really interesting, especially as teams actually care now that the regular season has started.

Next: Will Jrue Holiday benefit in the new Pelicans offense?

Giannis Antetokounmpo

I’m a Bucks fan, and we haven’t seen Antetokounmpo play in games that count since April 27. That is entirely too long.

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