Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Arena: Quicken Loans Arena
Time: 7:30 P.M.
Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0)
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: J.R. Smith
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Love
C: Tristan Thompson
New York Knicks (0-0)
PG: Derrick Rose
SG: Courtney Lee
SF: Carmelo Anthony
PF: Kristaps Porzingis
C: Joakim Noah
Key Matchup
LeBron James vs. Carmelo Anthony
Tonight is a battle between two of the leagues best small forwards. Carmelo Anthony is coming off his worst season since his first two with the Denver Nuggets only averaging 21.8 per game. LeBron James is coming off a season where he finally brought a title to his hometown. Tonight’s matchup will be dependent on defense. James is a defensive beast while Anthony plays when he wants. Keep an eye on James and Anthony tonight.
Cavaliers Stroyline
Title Defense
Winning the 2016 NBA Championship put a target on the Cleveland Cavaliers backs. When you win the title, everyone wants to beat you. This is nothing LeBron James hasn’t been through before. He had a target on his back twice in Miami, but still made it six straight NBA Finals. The Cavaliers get to defend their title with no challenge against them in the Eastern Conference (unless blockbuster trade). They need to worry about the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors.
Knicks Storyline
Hot Start
The New York Knicks need to start the 2016-2017 NBA season on a high note. They are a team with a lot of talent but have injury concerns. With their lack of depth, they need to keep the injury bug out of the locker room. Tonight the Knicks have a beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers will receive their championship rings and raise their banner. A win tonight would give the Knicks the momentum to start off strong. They need wins now incase they are in injury trouble down the road.