While the Milwaukee Bucks have to wait one more night before they can officially begin their season, six other teams start tonight. And if you’re anything like us (we know you are), you’ll be tuning in too. So, what better way to kill time before we get to watch our beloved Bucks than a good old-fashioned open thread?
The lineup
Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons
When and where: 2 p.m. CT, NBC/Peacock.
The Detroit Pistons host the Boston Celtics in an afternoon affair to open the season (yes, you read that correctly). But while the Pistons are
coming off a 60-win season—their best since the 2005-06 season—the East is, on paper at least, as tough as it’s been in a while. The bigger question: just how much did the Jalen Duren contract fiasco impact the franchise’s chemistry? On that note, the Celtics will look different this year, with the team down to one “Jay” after surprisingly trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Podcast P (just in case you were living under a rock). Will the analytics experts be proven right? Or are the Celtics destined to dwindle?
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
When and where: 6 p.m. CT, NBC/Peacock.
Speaking of Jaylen Brown, he and the revamped 76ers venture to Madison Square Garden to take on the defending-champion New York Knicks on their ring ceremony and banner-raising night. With Brown, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Jalen Brunson all on the court, I can’t wait to see the NBA’s “stop with the flop” point of emphasis in full force. Of course, the penalty for flopping being a free throw is unmatched trolling. Kudos to you, Mr Silver. Looking ahead, I can see one of these teams threatening for the crown and the other finding excuses as a pretender—I’ll let you work out which one’s which.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs
When and where: 8:30 p.m. CT, NBC/Peacock.
Speaking of free throw merchants, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder head to Texas to continue their budding rivalry with the San Antonio Spurs. Is this the year Victor Wembanyama’s offence catches up to his defence? Let’s hope not. But with a Finals heartbreak under his belt and another year of growth for him and his young running mates—plus the heady addition of ex-Buck Tobias Harris—the Spurs will be right back at it come the business end of the year. Of course, despite losing Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins, the Thunder will likely be right there waiting for them; the additions of Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz are too perfect, and they have plenty of depth pieces ready to step up. These games usually live up to the hype—so don’t keep us up for nothin’, fellas!
Come and go as you please throughout the day, but be sure to drop your thoughts as you do. As for the Bucks, they open their season tomorrow night in Washington—tip-off is at 6 p.m. We’ll see you then!
