The NBA Opening night is drawing near and it will feature some interesting matchups.
The first match of the 2019/2020 NBA Season will feature the number one draft pick Zion Williamson, as the New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Toronto Raptors in Canada.
The next game will feature the Lakers taking on cross-town rivals the Clippers.
Both sides recruited heavily in the offseason and the Clippers will be hoping that the Championship winning MVP from Last season, Kawhi Leonard can jump straight in for a team that has been starved of success.
The NBA Opening Night for 2019 is shaping up as something to look forward to.
Here is a little bit of information in terms of the matchups and some of the key ins and outs for all the sides.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Toronto Raptors
A different Pelicans lineup will take the floor as they travel ot Toronto to take on the Raptors.
New Orleans Pelicans
Points Average last season – 115.4
Points Against Average last season – 116.8
Player Movements
Out – Anthony Davis, Elfrid Payton, Solomon Hill, Julius Randle, Ian Clark, Stanley Johnson, Dairis Bertans, Trevon Bluiett, Cheick Diallo, Christian Wood.
In – Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Derrick Favors, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Zylan Cheatham, Josh Gray, Josh Hart, Jaxon Hayes, Nicolo Melli, J.J. Redick.
A lot of player movements here and the Pelicans will be trying to rebuild around the number one pick Zion Williamson.
Anthony Davis is a big loss, but has been injury-prone in recent years as he joins Lebron and the Lakers.
It will be interesting to see how Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram gel with the number one pick in Zion Williamson.
Toronto Raptors
Points Average Last Season -112.7
Points Against Last Season – 106.7
Out – Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Jeremy Lin, Jordan Loyd, Jodie Meeks, Eric Moreland
In – Cameron Payne, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Terence Davis, Dewan Hernandez, Stanley Johnson, Devon Robinson, Isaiah Taylor, Matt Thomas
The Raptors have lost Kawhi Leonard to the Clippers and will be out to prove that they are not a one-man show.
They still have a decent roster and will win games, but it is difficult to see them going back to back after losing such a significant contributing factor.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Los Angeles Clippers
The Lakers cleaned out their Roster and they got their man in Anthony Davis to try and help Lebron steer the Ship.
Two significant pickups for the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will team up to try and spoil the party for Lebron and the Lakers.
This will be a much-anticipated contest with both sides making a lot of roster changes before the 2019/2020 NBA Season.
Los Angeles Lakers
Points Average Last Season – 111.8
Points Against Average Last Season – 113.5
Player Movements
Out – Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Tyson Chandler, Issac Bonga, Reggie Bullock, Josh Hart, Mike Muscala, Lance Stephenson, Mortiz Wagner, Jonhathan Williams
In – Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeMarcus Cousins, Danny Green, Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley, Kostas Antetokounmpo, Quinn Cook, Troy Daniels, Talen Horton-Tucker, Demetrius Jackson, Zach Norvell Jnr
Los Angeles Clippers
Points Average Last Season – 115.1
Points Against Average Last Season – 115
Out – Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Garrett Temple, Sindarius Thornwell, Tyrone Wallace
In – Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Patrick Patterson, Moe Harkless, Amir Coffey, Mfiondu Kabengele, Terance Mann, Derrick Walton
This will be an interesting match at the Staples Centre and much anticipated with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George teaming up for the Clippers against Lebron James and the Lakers.
Two fantastic games to look forward to for NBA Opening Night for the 2019/2020 season.
The season tips off on Tuesday, October 22nd.
Check out some of the best plays from number one Draft Pick and New Orleans Pelicans player Zion Williamson.
Feel free to post your tips or any comments you might have below.