8-4

So, not too bad on opening night for the rest of the league.  Memphis over Detroit wasn’t even close but, I’m still not sold on Detroit.  Minnesota squeaked out a win on a last second shot and Golden State and the Clippers lost by 1 & 2 points respectively. 

Ariza watch:  This is for Sarah, I’m still really bitter about Ariza’s agent screwing him out of being with the Lakers this year.  He was hands down my favorite player on last year’s squad.  He played defense, shot a consistent percentage and most of all, accepted his role on the team even though he could much more.  This was quite obvious in the Denver series.  Anyway, I’ll be watching “my boy” this season to see how he progresses with an increased role on a hobbling Rockets team and increased playing time.  Last night, 25, 5 & 5 with 2 steals and 1 block.  Similar to the previous game, Ariza had a lot of turnovers.  This is not surprising, as he isn’t the most stellar ball handler.  We’ll how he progresses during the year.

 

Only two games on tonight:  I’ll take the Spurs and Portland.  Even the Spurs on the second of a back to back is better than a thin Bulls squad and the physical battle Denver withstood against Utah last night will take its toll against a fresh Portland squad at home.

For the weekend:

Friday:  Sixers, Knicks, Hawks, Celtics, Hornets, Thunder, Heat, Cavs, Magic, Raptors, Jazz, Warriors, & Lakers.

Saturday:  Wiz, Cavs, Philly, Blazers, Pistons, Spurs, & Clippers.

Sunday:  Magic, Celtics, Bulls, & Blazers.