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| It was all smiles for the Spurs in last year's Western Conference Finals after sweeping the Grizzlies. |
Wednesday October 30, 2013 8:30pm
As hard it may sound, there are some people who may have forgotten these two teams faced each other in last year's Western Conference Finals. There were many experts against the Spurs, citing their first round loss to the Grizzlies in the 2011 postseason. That was 2011, and they were foolish for believing the Grizzlies were close to competing with the Spurs. The Grizzlies now have Dave Joerger as their head coach. It's also hard to believe Lionel Hollins isn't coaching anywhere.
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| Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks were swept by the Bulls last year. |
Thursday October 31, 2013 8pm TNT
Charles Barkley was a guest on the halftime show of ESPN's Monday Night Football, and when asked by Chris Berman who the top teams in the Eastern Conference were, Barkley said the Heat, Nets and Pacers. He proceeded to say the Bulls and the Knicks were right behind those initial three teams. Well, the Bulls and the Knicks are out to prove they can be a top seed, and the Knicks get an early road test. The Bulls can make a huge statement with a win in their first two games. Also, keep in mind, the Bulls swept the Knicks in the regular season last year. The Knicks should be hungry.
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| Warriors and Clippers are looking to become championship contenders this season and in the West. |
Thursday October 31, 2013 10:30pm TNT
These two teams were good last season, but the improvements made during the offseason have put these two teams in discussion for Western Conference title contenders. The Warriors addition of Andre Iguodala probably leaves some doubt in the head of Harrison Barnes, but it's a nice addition to a team who's looking to get even better on defense. All eyes will be on the Clippers because of the addition of Doc Rivers, J.J. Redick and Jared Dudley. Still, they'll be looking for improvement from Blake Griffin.
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| Paul Pierce and the Nets will take on Lebron James and the defending champions in an early season exciting one. |
Friday November 1, 2013 8pm ESPN
The Heat are coming in with the usual championship expectations. After all, they are the two-time defending champions. The Nets are coming in with lofty expectations after the additions of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jason Terry. Comments made by Lebron James about a week ago makes this intriguing as well. James couldn't figure out how Garnett and Pierce left the Celtics without criticism, while Ray Allen was criticized heavily. This could be intense. Also, Jason Kidd will be serving the second game of his two-game suspension, so we still won't see him on the bench.
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| Derrick Rose returns to the court for the first time since the 2012 postseason. |
Tuesday October 29, 2013 8pm TNT
This is a solid game to kick off the new season. Derrick Rose's return to action makes this game the best game of the week. Lebron James told reporters both teams don't like each other. He's probably just trying to create a rivalry. Can you imagine James not liking someone? I couldn't. It's all chatter to hype up the game, but it's a great one without all of the build-up and hype. All eyes will be on Rose in this one.
