Post by Miege22 on Oct 22, 2018 11:57:41 GMT -5
I can't guarantee these will happen every week, and they almost certainly won't be as in-depth as last year, but here we go...
Memphis over Portland, 6-3
We start with the highly anticipated Western Conference Finals rematch, where the Memphis Grizzlies got a measure of revenge, pulling away from the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday to win their season opener. The Grizzlies got solid outings from their stars, Victor Oladipo, Karl-Anthony Towns and Paul George. But it was stand out games from Jeff Teague, Bradley Beal and Taurean Prince that helped push them over the top. This was also the much anticipated "debut" (yes, we're aware that he played sparingly last year, but this may as well be his rookie season) of Markelle Fultz. He put up decent all-around numbers, but the Grizzlies will obviously be counting on him to reach superstar levels. For Portland, it was a tough loss, but there were a lot of good things to take away from this game. Tobias Harris was a steady presence, and both Josh Richardson and Caris LeVert look like they've made the leap. LeVert, in particular, was a revelation, putting up spectacular numbers across the board. If they can continue to get that kind of production from those two when John Collins comes back, this team is as dangerous as ever.
Houston over Utah, 7-1-1
Don't look now, but Kawhi is back. Leonard was a monster in his first week back on the floor, averaging 27.5-11, and yet, it was his star teammate that stole the show. Nikola Jokic was easily this week's best performer, putting up 26-10-7 with 1.7 steals, 1 block and 1.3 threes. His incredible week included a 30-point triple-double without missing a shot from the field, making him the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to accomplish such a feat. Oh, and this team also has Steph Curry and DeMar DeRozan, so, yeah, Houston looks to be all the way back. For the Jazz, it was a mixed bag. They seem to have hit on their free agent signings (JJ Redick, Elfrid Payton, JJ Barea), but Marc Gasol wasn't his usual self, and they got nothing from Caleb Swanigan and Tyler Johnson. It also looks like the move for Melo was a swing and a miss, though it's early. Now JaMychal Green is out 4-6 weeks with a broken jaw. Things don't get any easier for the Jazz either, as they now have to go to Memphis.
Brooklyn over Toronto, 7-2
It's not often that the defending champions aren't the main story on opening week, but that's what happens when they enter a semi-youth movement. The Nets took out the banged up Raptors without much of a problem, but there could be some problems under the surface. Will Barton and Kevin Knox will both miss extended time with injuries, and LeBron James has not been his MVP-self, which is a big problem for a team that is relying heavily on rookies and second-year players. A bright spot for the Nets? Cedi Osman has gotten off to a fast start, averaging 17-5-5 through the first week of the season. Next up for the Nets is ring night against their rival, Tampa Bay. The Raptors are going to be fighting an uphill battle all season, given the injuries to Porzingis and Cousins, but Devin Booker is a bona fide superstar, and DeAaron Fox looks to have made the leap. Throw in improvement from Fred Van Vleet and Justin Holiday, as well as Jae Crowder returning to form, and the Raptors have the makings of a really good team in 19-20. They'll travel to Vegas in week 2.
Atlanta over Colorado, 5-4
We stay in the East, kind of, where the Atlanta Hawks and Colorado Swannies are both looking to make a return to the playoffs after tough seasons. The Hawks won an absolutely intense match-up by, essentially, one free throw in a win that could potentially have serious ramifications for the playoff race. In fact, it was easily the match of the week given the teams and outcome. The Hawks are counting on their star foursome of Ben Simmons, Kyle Lowry, Klay Thompson and Steven Adams to keep them alive most weeks, while the younger guys get their feet wet, and that's exactly what happened. Lowry was phenomenal, averaging 23-9-3 with 4 threes. Simmons was a triple-double threat and Adams put up a double-double for the week. Meanwhile, #FreeBoban put up remarkable per-minute numbers. If he starts to get more time, Atlanta is dangerous. They'll head to Cleveland trying to start 2-0. Where does that leave Colorado? Well, one has to imagine they're far more optimistic than a losing team typically is. Anthony Davis is on a mission this year, and it would not be surprising to see him win MVP and DPOY. Frankly, the only reason Colorado lost is because AD only played two games this week. That means there are going to be some unlucky teams out there. He was incredible. John Wall was extremely good. Joe Ingles may have taken another jump, and Dennis Smith Jr. is coming into his own. For the longest time, this team's weakness has been on the wings, but if those 4 continue to produce like this, they just need their wings to play, which is what they got this week from Gerald Green, Stanley Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith. Looking for a team to bet on? It might be these Swannies. They'll continue their homestand against the division, welcoming Orlando to town.
Kansas City over Oklahoma City, 5-4
Let's switch conferences and head over to Oklahoma City, for a Western Conference match-up between the teams with the top-2 picks last year (KC traded that pick to Tampa Bay). These two teams took differing paths in the off-season, with the Kings electing to bring in a number of vets while OKC played it straight, adding only Paul Millsap to their young core. The early returns were positive for KC, as the Kings held off a late Thunder rally. The biggest story of the week for KC was Kemba Walker. The diminutive guard is getting all the touches he can handle, and he is responding like few other point guards can. He averaged over 35 points and 6 threes per game for the week, single-handedly winning both categories. The ceiling could be limited on this team, given the number of solid role players, but they won't be an easy out. They head to Chicago this week. Oklahoma City may have lost, but much like Colorado, they have to be thrilled with some of the things they saw. Jimmy Butler hasn't been hampered at all by his uncertain situation. Jayson Tatum has made a star turn. And Luka Doncic is for real. Much like the Kings, this team is going to be trouble for a lot of teams, and we haven't even touched on Aaron Gordon. Look for them to give the Blazers everything they can handle.
Chicago over Tampa Bay, 5-4
Another barnburner in the Eastern Conference. Chicago barely clung to victory over an injury-riddled Bull Sharks, winning by 3 steals and a few free throws. The Bulls got a double-double from Drummond, a great week from Vuc (he put up a 27-point triple-double in a game this week!), and TJ Warren shoots threes now. That said, there are some troubling issues for Chicago that may not change any time soon. Dragan Bender and Skal Labissiere aren't playing, Mario Hezonja might as well not be playing, and Lonnie Walker is hurt. They'll look for the bad to outweigh the good against Kansas City. Tampa Bay joins a bevy of 0-1 teams that are optimistic about their season. Russ came back late in the week and didn't miss a beat. DeAndre Ayton had a great debut, though, he did follow that up with a dud (life with rookies). Serge Ibaka appears to have a really good new role, Nic Batum is still doing a little of everything, and Gary Harris still gets buckets. New Bull Shark Domantas Sabonis, acquired in the Wiggins trade, appears to be a double-double machine when he's on the floor. This Tampa team has all the makings of a playoff contender. They get a test this week in Brooklyn.
Boston over Seattle, 6-3
We've reached the interconference match-up portion of our first week slate, and we start with a team in the East that looks frightening. The Boston Celtics are (almost) fully healthy, and they just might have been the most impressive team of the week. Joel Embiid is a superstar, we knew that. But what if Nikola Mirotic is one too? It's not crazy to think after his first week average of 33-9.5-2.5 and 5.5 threes per game. Danilo Gallinari came back after missing almost all of last season to put up 21-7-2. There are some zeros on the roster at the moment. Dion Waiters is hurt, and neither Jerome Robinson or Frank Jackson are really playing. But assuming the rest of the supporting cast provides effective numbers alongside Embiid and Mirotic? This could be a playoff team. Of course, despite all of that, there's a case to be made that Seattle wins their opener, even without Markannen, if Kris Dunn plays. Dunn missed the first week with the birth of his son, and with a match-up decided by 7 assists and 3 rebounds, that was the difference. Damian Lillard and Rudy Gobert did their usual things, but this Sonics team may be one more year away before it all comes together. Things will be tough for them this week at Houston, while Boston heads to the West's most surprising team...
Minnesota over Washington, 5-4
Zach LaVine averaged over 30 points for the week, Blake Griffin reminded everyone he was a star, and CP3 was a triple-double threat (who also showed off a mean uppercut) for the West's most surprising team. The big news for the Wolves, and something to watch moving forward: Josh Hart and JaVale McGee were legitimate fantasy contributors. McGee almost averaged a double-double and blocked 4 shots per game, while Hart did a little of everything. The Timberwloves might just have what every playoff team needs: under the radar contributors alongside their stars. It will be absolutely fascinating to see what happens in the Boston-Minnesota match-up. It's hard to know what to make of the Wizards. Giannis was MVP-level, and Rondo was an assist machine (he will be missed this coming week). Julius Randle was a double-double machine, and both Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore were largely solid, but it did feel like something was slightly off. Thad Young, Kyle Anderson, Marcin Gortat, John Henson and Andre Iguodala all disappointed. Washington still looks to have the potential of a playoff team, but they need the others to step up, starting with Golden State in week 2.
Golden State over Cleveland, 7-2
Speaking of Golden State, the Warriors had no problems with a Cleveland team undergoing a full blown youth movement. The usual suspects did what they do best. Hassan Whiteside got rebounds, Robert Covington made threes and picked up steals, Fournier and McCollum scored, Enes Kanter was a double-double machine. That was all well and good, but what we want to focus on is the shocker of the week: Dwight Powell. The young big put up 17.5-5.5 and a block, and he did it in just 17 minutes per game. One would have to think he starts to get more minutes, and, if he does, Golden State has a sneaky good team. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have a lot of guys that just aren't going to see a lot of minutes based on their youth. However, they did have two shining stars in this loss: Kevin Love and Trae Young. Love appears to have returned to his fantasy superstar form, averaging 21-14-4 (though he's not going to shoot it all that well from the floor), and Trae Young may already be a top-5 fantasy point guard. The rookie put up 23-8 in week one. Those two won't be enough to win most weeks, but it's a great sign for the future of the franchise. Cleveland gets the Hawks in week 2.
Orlando over Las Vegas, 7-2
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Magic taking down the Gamblers. It was a somewhat nondescript match-up. Orlando didn't play all that well, but they got very good weeks from Clint Capela, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Willie Cauley-Stein. Dwight Howard and Harrison Barnes missed the match-up, and both will continue to be out. Throw in Milos getting no minutes, and Ingram getting suspended, and things get iffy moving forward. The Gamblers have far too many zeros on their roster at the moment. Both Wilson Chandler and Michael Porter Jr. are hurt. Zach Randolph and Greg Monroe simply aren't playing. And with Trae Young's emergence, playing time will be tough for Jeremy Lin. Reinforcements are on the way, but if Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward don't return to fantasy stud form, things will be tough. Their match-up against Toronto will be a litmus test for them.
Memphis over Portland, 6-3
We start with the highly anticipated Western Conference Finals rematch, where the Memphis Grizzlies got a measure of revenge, pulling away from the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday to win their season opener. The Grizzlies got solid outings from their stars, Victor Oladipo, Karl-Anthony Towns and Paul George. But it was stand out games from Jeff Teague, Bradley Beal and Taurean Prince that helped push them over the top. This was also the much anticipated "debut" (yes, we're aware that he played sparingly last year, but this may as well be his rookie season) of Markelle Fultz. He put up decent all-around numbers, but the Grizzlies will obviously be counting on him to reach superstar levels. For Portland, it was a tough loss, but there were a lot of good things to take away from this game. Tobias Harris was a steady presence, and both Josh Richardson and Caris LeVert look like they've made the leap. LeVert, in particular, was a revelation, putting up spectacular numbers across the board. If they can continue to get that kind of production from those two when John Collins comes back, this team is as dangerous as ever.
Houston over Utah, 7-1-1
Don't look now, but Kawhi is back. Leonard was a monster in his first week back on the floor, averaging 27.5-11, and yet, it was his star teammate that stole the show. Nikola Jokic was easily this week's best performer, putting up 26-10-7 with 1.7 steals, 1 block and 1.3 threes. His incredible week included a 30-point triple-double without missing a shot from the field, making him the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to accomplish such a feat. Oh, and this team also has Steph Curry and DeMar DeRozan, so, yeah, Houston looks to be all the way back. For the Jazz, it was a mixed bag. They seem to have hit on their free agent signings (JJ Redick, Elfrid Payton, JJ Barea), but Marc Gasol wasn't his usual self, and they got nothing from Caleb Swanigan and Tyler Johnson. It also looks like the move for Melo was a swing and a miss, though it's early. Now JaMychal Green is out 4-6 weeks with a broken jaw. Things don't get any easier for the Jazz either, as they now have to go to Memphis.
Brooklyn over Toronto, 7-2
It's not often that the defending champions aren't the main story on opening week, but that's what happens when they enter a semi-youth movement. The Nets took out the banged up Raptors without much of a problem, but there could be some problems under the surface. Will Barton and Kevin Knox will both miss extended time with injuries, and LeBron James has not been his MVP-self, which is a big problem for a team that is relying heavily on rookies and second-year players. A bright spot for the Nets? Cedi Osman has gotten off to a fast start, averaging 17-5-5 through the first week of the season. Next up for the Nets is ring night against their rival, Tampa Bay. The Raptors are going to be fighting an uphill battle all season, given the injuries to Porzingis and Cousins, but Devin Booker is a bona fide superstar, and DeAaron Fox looks to have made the leap. Throw in improvement from Fred Van Vleet and Justin Holiday, as well as Jae Crowder returning to form, and the Raptors have the makings of a really good team in 19-20. They'll travel to Vegas in week 2.
Atlanta over Colorado, 5-4
We stay in the East, kind of, where the Atlanta Hawks and Colorado Swannies are both looking to make a return to the playoffs after tough seasons. The Hawks won an absolutely intense match-up by, essentially, one free throw in a win that could potentially have serious ramifications for the playoff race. In fact, it was easily the match of the week given the teams and outcome. The Hawks are counting on their star foursome of Ben Simmons, Kyle Lowry, Klay Thompson and Steven Adams to keep them alive most weeks, while the younger guys get their feet wet, and that's exactly what happened. Lowry was phenomenal, averaging 23-9-3 with 4 threes. Simmons was a triple-double threat and Adams put up a double-double for the week. Meanwhile, #FreeBoban put up remarkable per-minute numbers. If he starts to get more time, Atlanta is dangerous. They'll head to Cleveland trying to start 2-0. Where does that leave Colorado? Well, one has to imagine they're far more optimistic than a losing team typically is. Anthony Davis is on a mission this year, and it would not be surprising to see him win MVP and DPOY. Frankly, the only reason Colorado lost is because AD only played two games this week. That means there are going to be some unlucky teams out there. He was incredible. John Wall was extremely good. Joe Ingles may have taken another jump, and Dennis Smith Jr. is coming into his own. For the longest time, this team's weakness has been on the wings, but if those 4 continue to produce like this, they just need their wings to play, which is what they got this week from Gerald Green, Stanley Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith. Looking for a team to bet on? It might be these Swannies. They'll continue their homestand against the division, welcoming Orlando to town.
Kansas City over Oklahoma City, 5-4
Let's switch conferences and head over to Oklahoma City, for a Western Conference match-up between the teams with the top-2 picks last year (KC traded that pick to Tampa Bay). These two teams took differing paths in the off-season, with the Kings electing to bring in a number of vets while OKC played it straight, adding only Paul Millsap to their young core. The early returns were positive for KC, as the Kings held off a late Thunder rally. The biggest story of the week for KC was Kemba Walker. The diminutive guard is getting all the touches he can handle, and he is responding like few other point guards can. He averaged over 35 points and 6 threes per game for the week, single-handedly winning both categories. The ceiling could be limited on this team, given the number of solid role players, but they won't be an easy out. They head to Chicago this week. Oklahoma City may have lost, but much like Colorado, they have to be thrilled with some of the things they saw. Jimmy Butler hasn't been hampered at all by his uncertain situation. Jayson Tatum has made a star turn. And Luka Doncic is for real. Much like the Kings, this team is going to be trouble for a lot of teams, and we haven't even touched on Aaron Gordon. Look for them to give the Blazers everything they can handle.
Chicago over Tampa Bay, 5-4
Another barnburner in the Eastern Conference. Chicago barely clung to victory over an injury-riddled Bull Sharks, winning by 3 steals and a few free throws. The Bulls got a double-double from Drummond, a great week from Vuc (he put up a 27-point triple-double in a game this week!), and TJ Warren shoots threes now. That said, there are some troubling issues for Chicago that may not change any time soon. Dragan Bender and Skal Labissiere aren't playing, Mario Hezonja might as well not be playing, and Lonnie Walker is hurt. They'll look for the bad to outweigh the good against Kansas City. Tampa Bay joins a bevy of 0-1 teams that are optimistic about their season. Russ came back late in the week and didn't miss a beat. DeAndre Ayton had a great debut, though, he did follow that up with a dud (life with rookies). Serge Ibaka appears to have a really good new role, Nic Batum is still doing a little of everything, and Gary Harris still gets buckets. New Bull Shark Domantas Sabonis, acquired in the Wiggins trade, appears to be a double-double machine when he's on the floor. This Tampa team has all the makings of a playoff contender. They get a test this week in Brooklyn.
Boston over Seattle, 6-3
We've reached the interconference match-up portion of our first week slate, and we start with a team in the East that looks frightening. The Boston Celtics are (almost) fully healthy, and they just might have been the most impressive team of the week. Joel Embiid is a superstar, we knew that. But what if Nikola Mirotic is one too? It's not crazy to think after his first week average of 33-9.5-2.5 and 5.5 threes per game. Danilo Gallinari came back after missing almost all of last season to put up 21-7-2. There are some zeros on the roster at the moment. Dion Waiters is hurt, and neither Jerome Robinson or Frank Jackson are really playing. But assuming the rest of the supporting cast provides effective numbers alongside Embiid and Mirotic? This could be a playoff team. Of course, despite all of that, there's a case to be made that Seattle wins their opener, even without Markannen, if Kris Dunn plays. Dunn missed the first week with the birth of his son, and with a match-up decided by 7 assists and 3 rebounds, that was the difference. Damian Lillard and Rudy Gobert did their usual things, but this Sonics team may be one more year away before it all comes together. Things will be tough for them this week at Houston, while Boston heads to the West's most surprising team...
Minnesota over Washington, 5-4
Zach LaVine averaged over 30 points for the week, Blake Griffin reminded everyone he was a star, and CP3 was a triple-double threat (who also showed off a mean uppercut) for the West's most surprising team. The big news for the Wolves, and something to watch moving forward: Josh Hart and JaVale McGee were legitimate fantasy contributors. McGee almost averaged a double-double and blocked 4 shots per game, while Hart did a little of everything. The Timberwloves might just have what every playoff team needs: under the radar contributors alongside their stars. It will be absolutely fascinating to see what happens in the Boston-Minnesota match-up. It's hard to know what to make of the Wizards. Giannis was MVP-level, and Rondo was an assist machine (he will be missed this coming week). Julius Randle was a double-double machine, and both Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore were largely solid, but it did feel like something was slightly off. Thad Young, Kyle Anderson, Marcin Gortat, John Henson and Andre Iguodala all disappointed. Washington still looks to have the potential of a playoff team, but they need the others to step up, starting with Golden State in week 2.
Golden State over Cleveland, 7-2
Speaking of Golden State, the Warriors had no problems with a Cleveland team undergoing a full blown youth movement. The usual suspects did what they do best. Hassan Whiteside got rebounds, Robert Covington made threes and picked up steals, Fournier and McCollum scored, Enes Kanter was a double-double machine. That was all well and good, but what we want to focus on is the shocker of the week: Dwight Powell. The young big put up 17.5-5.5 and a block, and he did it in just 17 minutes per game. One would have to think he starts to get more minutes, and, if he does, Golden State has a sneaky good team. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have a lot of guys that just aren't going to see a lot of minutes based on their youth. However, they did have two shining stars in this loss: Kevin Love and Trae Young. Love appears to have returned to his fantasy superstar form, averaging 21-14-4 (though he's not going to shoot it all that well from the floor), and Trae Young may already be a top-5 fantasy point guard. The rookie put up 23-8 in week one. Those two won't be enough to win most weeks, but it's a great sign for the future of the franchise. Cleveland gets the Hawks in week 2.
Orlando over Las Vegas, 7-2
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Magic taking down the Gamblers. It was a somewhat nondescript match-up. Orlando didn't play all that well, but they got very good weeks from Clint Capela, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Willie Cauley-Stein. Dwight Howard and Harrison Barnes missed the match-up, and both will continue to be out. Throw in Milos getting no minutes, and Ingram getting suspended, and things get iffy moving forward. The Gamblers have far too many zeros on their roster at the moment. Both Wilson Chandler and Michael Porter Jr. are hurt. Zach Randolph and Greg Monroe simply aren't playing. And with Trae Young's emergence, playing time will be tough for Jeremy Lin. Reinforcements are on the way, but if Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward don't return to fantasy stud form, things will be tough. Their match-up against Toronto will be a litmus test for them.