Top 5 players to watch out for on NBA opening night 2021
The NBA 2021-22 season tips off on October 19th, with two blockbuster affairs taking place one after the other. The Brooklyn Nets play the Milwaukee Bucks in a re-match of the 2021 Eastern Conference semi-finals. Meanwhile, LeBron James and Stephen Curry will go head-to-head in a clash between the Golden State Warriors and LA Lakers.
The opening day of the new season will see a plethora of superstars take to the court, and here are the five best players fans should watch out for:
5 best players who will take to court on NBA 2021-22 season opening day
The two aforementioned matches are expected to go right down the wire, with all four teams in prime position to contend for a championship. The Nets will be desperate for revenge, while the Lakers-Warriors matchup seldom disappoints.
#5 James Harden, Brooklyn Nets
James Harden had a disappointing end to the 2021 NBA Playoffs as he was injured in the opening moments of the Brooklyn Nets' series against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 'Beard' made a return later in the series when Steve Nash had to compensate for Kyrie Irving's injury, but failed to make a mark as he was not completely fit.
When Mike D’Antoni was hired as the Rockets coach in 2016, he tried to hire Steve Nash as a consultant, specifically for James Harden. Now Harden and Nash are together in Brooklyn and thriving. Today’s story on their dynamic. Subscribe for 50%off: theathletic.com/2889878/2021/1…
However, James Harden has looked incredibly sharp in preseason games for the New York-based franchise and will be raring to go against the defending champions. Fans and analysts expect him to replicate his MVP-level form, and if that happens, there is doubt that the Nets will cruise to an NBA title.
#4 Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry silenced his doubters with a near-perfect comeback season last year, when he finished in the top-3 in the MVP voting. Curry shrugged off his hand injury to lead the Golden State Warriors with Klay Thompson out, almost willing them to the playoffs single-handedly.
Historically speaking, Steph Curry is in for a tough matchup Tuesday night
Career averages on opening night (11 games):
21.9 pts
44.8% fg
30.7% 3pt
Career vs LAL:
20.7 pts (2nd lowest vs any opponent)
42.5% fg (Lowest vs any opponent)
35.2% 3pt (Lowest vs any opponent)
Curry will have much-needed help this season, with Klay Thompson returning from injury and the Warriors adding a couple of complimentary pieces. Curry is gunning for his 4th NBA title, and Dubnation's chances of winning it all will certainly rest on his shoulders.