NBA Opening Night: Suns, Warriors look to ignite rivalry; key matchup and prediction

Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns Devin Booker (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Key Matchup: Devin Booker vs. Klay Thompson

This is a battle that everyone will be focused on as these two players went at each other’s necks the last time they saw each other. Trash talk and all, these are two of the best shooting guards in the league and both of them scored 30-plus in their last meeting.

During their three games last season, Booker averaged a total of 31 points against the Warriors and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he came out aggressively in this game. I wouldn’t expect Thompson to shy away from a challenge and all it takes is one shot for him to catch fire. The production of these star players could determine the outcome of the game.

Prediction

Both these teams come into the new season with high expectations and this will be but one of many key battles for supremacy in the Western Conference. Expect Curry and company to keep the game close late into the 4th quarter until Durant comes through with some late-game heroics and pulls out a close one for the Suns, 131-129.