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5 things to watch for on the NBA’s re-Opening Day slate

By Alexander Wolz

LeBron James, #23, Los Angeles Lakers, (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LeBron James, #23, Los Angeles Lakers, (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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NBA basketball is back!

After shutting down in March and enduring months of preparation, debating and waiting, the NBA is finally back. It certainly isn’t in the same place we left it though.

Instead of playing in packed arenas, players are now in an isolated bubble at Disney. Social justice has risen to the forefront of the players’ minds and the conversation is bound to continue in the weeks to come.

Basketball is back, but as the NBA says, it is a whole new game. Either way, it is here and there is a lot to break down as opening night is upon us. Here are the five biggest stories from the Pelicans/Jazz and LA showdowns.

 Here’s what to watch for on the NBA’s re-Opening Day slate:

5. Who is actually on the floor

Arguably the biggest question mark on tomorrow is who will be on the court. The Zion Williamson circus continues as he returned to the bubble after exiting for personal reasons, but may not have enough practice time under his belt to play in the way we would expect. Utah faces a major void to fill in Bojan Bogdanovic.

The nightcap is where things get interesting. Lou Williams will miss the opener after violating the NBA’s bubble rules for a box of wings. Montrezl Harrell also left the NBA bubble for a personal matter and will be absent. Patrick Beverley is back but may miss out on the opener as well. That’s three big pieces off-the-floor to put the Clips at an immediate disadvantage.

Things are not much better for the Lakers, however. Avery Bradley was known to be absent, but an early blow came when Rajon Rondo broke his thumb. Coach Vogel expects him to be back, whether that is tomorrow night or not remains a question. Then there is Anthony Davis, who’s status has suddenly been put in Jeopardy following an eye injury during a scrimmage.

Beyond all the potential absences, there are noticeable new additions, with Dion Waiters and J.R. Smith for the Lakers as primary examples. So the first thing to watch tomorrow is who is on the floor when the games tip-off.

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