NBA Regular Season Returns

The 2023-24 NBA season starts Tuesday night with two thrilling matchups.

Lakers Take On Nuggets

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for revenge against the Denver Nuggets.  The Nuggets kicked the Lakers out of the Western Conference Finals last season, sweeping Los Angeles.  Denver went on to win the 2022 NBA Finals, beating the Miami Heat in five games to win their first championship in franchise history.  The Nuggets will receive their championship rings before the matchup and have solid chances to return to The Finals. One of the best duos in the league in Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray hope to lead Denver to another successful season.

After making the Western Conference Finals as the No. 7 seed last year, Lebron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves look to exceed expectations. This is James’ 21st year in the NBA, and he is searching for his fifth championship.  The Lakers had a strong offseason, adding much-needed depth.

One of the reasons the Lakers struggled in the regular season last year was because of Davis’ health. He missed 20 games due to a right foot injury, but if he can stay on the court, expect the Lakers to have a solid chance to succeed in the West.

Moreover, the team resigned guard Austin Reaves and forward Rui Hachimura.  Additionally, they signed guard Gabe Vincent, forward Cam Reddish and center Jaxson Hayes.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Denver.

https://twitter.com/nuggets/status/1716825276771144087?s=20

Suns Take On Warriors

The powerhouse Phoenix Suns face off against the Golden State Warriors.  This should be a thrilling matchup as Chris Paul faces his old team after being traded in the offseason after three seasons with the Suns. Kevin Durant, who was on the Warriors for three seasons, will play his former team for the first time since joining the Suns in February.

This Phoenix team will not be easy to beat after Phoenix acquired guard Bradley Beal in a three-team deal in the offseason. The trade created a deadly big three of Durant, Devin Booker and Beal.  Also, the Suns acquired Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Grayson Allen and Keon Johnson in the three-team trade with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Though, despite acquiring Beal this offseason, he is reportedly unlikely to play tonight due to back issues.

The team will also have a new head coach, as Frank Vogel takes over for Monty Williams.

The Warriors are looking to return to the Finals after being eliminated by the Lakers in the 2023 Playoffs. The new addition of Paul will help bring depth to an experienced Warriors team.  Pairing up Paul with two of the best shooters in the NBA in Steph Curry and Klay Thompson will be difficult for most teams to stop.

Tipoff in Golden State is at 10 p.m.

https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1716852201405264120?s=20