NBA: 4 storylines to keep an eye on during opening night

Philadelphia 76ers James Harden (Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)
Philadelphia 76ers James Harden (Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)
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Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers James Harden (Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports)

NBA storylines to watch: How does James Harden look after the offseason?

If there’s one story that kept garnering attention during the non-transactional portion of the offseason, it was the James Harden workouts. He looked good, healthy, and in shape – something that I can’t even remember was said about Harden recently.

On opening night, he’ll have to be able to back up all those claims. Harden can’t afford to come out looking flat during the first game of the season. In fact, the Philadelphia 76ers as a whole can’t come out looking flat.

This team retooled (PJ Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, Danuel House) during the offseason and is expected to take a big step forward. Many believe this Sixers team will be a top 3 seed. It’s time they start proving that, and it begins with a matchup against the defending East champs.