Game time

The 2022-2023 NBA Season opens today with two games featuring marquee matchups in both conferences. On the East, the Boston Celtics square off with the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Garden while on the Western side, it’s the Golden State Warriors versus the LA Lakers at the Chase Center.

Last season’s scoring leader Joel Embiid and his Sixers will try to test the sideline savvy of new Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who’s taking over from the season-long suspension of coach Ime Udoka.

The defending EC champions parade an upgraded backcourt with the addition of Malcolm Brogdon.   As per statistics, the Celtics led the league in defensive efficiency anchored on reigning DPOY Marcus Smart.  But interior defense could be iffy this season as Boston will be without starting center Robert Williams (knee) for at least a month.

Noah Vonleh and Luke Kornet most likely would be alternating at the five, with Al Horford providing relief.  Blake Griffin can do the five if the Celtics play small ball and he should be ok if he opts not to shoot too many 3s. 

Embiid will be too much to handle for Vonleh and Kornet and he will have much offensive support from James Harden, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris.   The Sixers are not wanting in defense with PJ Tucker, Montrezl Harell and Danual House.

Over at the West, it’s ring ceremony for the Warriors before tip-off.  The defending champions will ride on the offensive productions of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole.  Their bigs of Draymond Green (if he’s available), Kevon Looney, Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman, will be a problem for the Lakers.

The Lakers have the best frontcourt pairing in the NBA with LeBron James and Anthony Davis (if he can stay healthy).  LeBron had defied his age and is still performing in top form.  Coach Darvin Ham must manage his minutes to get the most from him if they intend to make the playoffs.

The Lakers had improved their supporting cast but it still won’t place them at the top seven of the WC at season’s end.  They will open the season with injuries to problem child Russell Westbrook (hamstring) and returnee Dennis Schroeder (thumb).

Who’ll be victorious on opening night?  Homecourt edge is a big plus so let’s give the winning edge to the Celtics and the Warriors, with their championship rings on their fingers.