There is so much going on today. Word Series game 1 between the Astros and Nationals, the NHL is in full swing, and the NBA season starts today. Really, just a great day to be a sports fan.
(Yes I realize it’s NFL season but there aren’t any games today).
There’s a lot I could say, but I’m going to start with the World Series. We’ve got the powerhouse Astros vs. the underdog Nationals. Look, I just had my heard ripped out of my chest a couple weeks ago after Howie Kendrick decided to be raw for once in his life and basically walked it off against the Dodgers. But look, I respect the hell out of what the Nationals have done. I mean to come from behind and win the Wild Card game, beat the best team in the NL, then embarrass the Cardinals to make it to the World Series, I cant help but root for them. Then they have a great starting staff and Rendon, who is sooo under the radar for how good of a season he’s having.
Then you have the Astros, also with great starting pitching, and a lineup that still keeps Aaron Boone awake at night. But everyone predicted them to be in the World Series…no surprise there. So, I have to say that even though there is a very good chance the Astros run away with the series, the baseball fan in me hopes for a competitive series, but hopefully for another Nationals upset.
Now on to the NBA. I think we are in store for one of the greatest NBA seasons in recent memory. After Kevin Durant ruined the league a few years ago, I think order has been relatively restored after the best offseason I’ve ever witnessed. I still think Stephen A. Smith still gets a chub from all the content he was given for First Take. But anyway, there are so many storylines to follow.
In my mind the battle for LA between the Lakers and Clippers is the most intriguing, and how could it not be? You have the Clippers, who have been decent for years, but always got knocked out in the 1st or 2nd round, now able to make a legitimate run for the Finals. Then you have the Lakers who have stunk the past few years ALSO able to make a run at the Finals. Plus you have 4 superstars in Lebron, Anthony Davis, Kawhi, and Paul George all playing in the same building! It’s gonna be real interesting to see how that dynamic works out since the Clippers will always be the little brother in LA.
As for the rest of the league, it’s going to be interesting how D’Angelo Russell fits in with the Warriors, and how they deal with Klay likely out for the season.
Rockets will be very fun to watch, especially with two reunited ballhog teammates in Russell Westbrook and James Harden. I honestly don’t know how that situation will work out especially with Russ being such a vocal presence, and it being Harden’s team, but they’ll still be very good nonetheless.
Nets will be contenders in the dumpster fire that is the Eastern Conference, but they’ll be going up against the Bucks and Celtics, who had good off seasons as well. It’ll be more interesting when Kevin Durant is back in the mix next year, so I’d think of this year as a transitional season for them.
As for today specifically, we have two NBA games: Lakers bs. Clippers and Pelicans vs. Raptors. I’ve already talked enough about the LA teams, so as for NOLA and TOR, this should be an interesting game. No doubt it’s gotta be tough as a Pelican, not only for having one of the worst mascots in the NBA, but having just lost Zion for 6-8 weeks, that’s a major blow to that offense. As for Toronto, it’s no secret they’re not the same team without Kawhi, but they’ll probably win this game as they’re more experienced and still have plenty of pieces that can make them contenders in the East.
Bottom line is that if you’re not watching one of these games today, you’re going to be missing out.
