Slim's NBA Opening Night Observations

Celtics 95, Cavaliers 89

After seeing the newest versions of the Cavs and Celts, I can't envision Cleveland going all the way this year. I know it's only one game, but I just don't think they can win a seven game series against the Celtics or Magic. The Cavs frontcourt is just too unreliable. Shaq had his moments early tonight, but he just can't seem to produce over extended periods of time. Give credit to Boston's Kendrick Perkins for keeping Shaq out of the paint and forcing him into difficult shots. As for the rest of the Cavs' frontcourt, I think Zydrunas Ilgauskas is actually a dinosaur at this point and despite a few buckets early on tonight, Varejao is an offensive liability. Sure, Ilgauskus will knock down shots and Varejao will make hustle plays, but Big Z's due to retire which would leave them with nothing but Varejao, Leon Powe (who's productive but undersized), and JJ Hickson, assuming Shaq's a one-year rental. They're going to need something more in the frontcourt if they want LeBron to stick around, even though I'm sure he will.

Cleveland's bench is also a concern, which was downright outclassed by Boston's bench. Boobie Gibson has been a pretty big disappointment after seeming like a promising player during the Cavs' run to the Finals in '07. As a Heat fan, I was sad to see Jamario Moon leave for the Cavs this offseason, but he looked pretty bad tonight despite finishing a nice oop from LeBron at one point. Rasheed Wallace seems to be a great sixth man for Boston and Marquis Daniels fits in well as a versatile guard off the bench. Shelden Williams, on the other hand, looks like he'll struggle to escape being branded a draft bust. I don't expect to see much of him once Big Baby gets back from his thumb surgery, which is a pretty hilarious story, by the way. It involves Big Baby shirtless with a bloody nose. Need I say more?

Lakers 99, Clippers 92

My excitement for this game was deflated upon hearing Blake Griffin would be out for six weeks and rightly so. The Clippers looked pretty horrendous, putting up bad shots and turning the ball over 20 times. Despite dishing 8 assits, Baron Davis shot just 1-10 from the field. Second year guard Eric Gordon was impressive though, posting a team high 21 points.

As for the Lakers, Kobe was Kobe, Bynum was impressive, Odom showed up, and Artest seems like he's still feeling things out. I don't have much else to say about this game other than I want more Shannon Brown.

Trailblazers 96, Rockets 87

The Rockets struggled to produce on offense having to rely on 6' guard Aaron Brooks (19 points, 5 assists) to carry the scoring load. Travis Outlaw and Brandon Roy led the Blazers in scoring with 23 and 20 points respectively, while new addition Andre Miller dropped 7 dimes.

Wizards 102, Mavericks 91

The Wizards overcame a 34 point effort by Dirk Nowitzki as Gilbert Arenas seems to have finally returned from injury. Agent Zero scored 29 points and dished out 9 assists. The NBA needs this guy, even if he isn't talking or blogging anymore.