NBA: Ranking the top 5 must-watch games from the 2023-24 opening week
2. New face in a new place – Bucks vs. 76ers – Thursday, October 26 @ 7:30 p.m. ET)
The week marks the beginning of a new chapter in the professional career of star Damian Lillard, as he will make his debut with the Milwaukee Bucks, playing against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bucks finished last season with the best record in the NBA, 58-24, but they shockingly lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Miami Heat. They are eyeing a revenge season.
Philadelphia ended last season with a 54-28 record, which netted them the 3rd seed in the East. They lost in a dramatic Game 7 against the Boston Celtics in the second round, from which they have not been able to recover. This game might be the start of the recovery.
Lillard is arguably the second-best point guard of the last decade, right behind Stephen Curry. After a long and painful trade partner search by the Blazers, they eventually sent him to Giannis and the Bucks. On paper, this is the best duo to ever come together to play on the same team. Both Dame and Greek Freak averaged over 30 points per game last season, and on Thursday we will finally see this duo in action.
The Bucks have the potential to show the NBA that two superstars paired up together via trade can win a championship.
Philadelphia is going through turmoil, as the situation regarding James Harden only keeps worsening. After playing horribly in, quite possibly, his final game in a 76ers jersey, Harden is not listed to play this upcoming game. He wants out, and the GM does not. In the midst of this is Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP and scoring title winner. If Harden does not play this season he will have to put up a superhuman effort to carry them to a potential championship.
While the 76ers have improved with the likes of Kelly Oubre Jr. and Mo Bamba among others, this certainly won’t fill the void that only Harden can fill.
A test for both teams facing new challenges, internally or externally. Adjusting to a new teammate or adjusting without an old one is difficult, but all it takes for the adjustment to begin is one game, a crucial game. This is that one. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy.