What Are the Most Important Early Games With the NBA Reboot in 2020?
The NBA reboot schedule is out for 2020 and there are some critical games we look at below, including one that tips off the first day back July 30. BetOnline is offering a welcome bonus with a maximum of $1000.
|
*Now Celebrating 22 Years in Business |
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Utah Jazz
July 30, 6:30 p.m. ET | TNT
The Jazz have the utmost confidence that Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell can successfully coexist as franchise cornerstones, but will there be any residual tension from Gobert's lack of concern for the novel coronavirus that preceded the news that he and Mitchell had both tested positive? And speaking of Gobert, Zion Williamson trying to finish over and around him is a pretty exciting way to welcome back the NBA.
-- Tim MacMahon, ESPN
This one actually opened as a PICK'EM.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers
July 30, 9 p.m. ET | TNT
While the atmosphere in Orlando, Florida, won't be the same as it would be at Staples Center, the intensity between these rivals figures to remain high in their final regular-season matchup. Though home-court advantage is no longer part of the equation, both teams will need to address chemistry as they ramp up for a long playoff run.
Can the Lakers replace Avery Bradley and find the same consistency they had before the stoppage? How do the Clippers look at full strength, and how will Doc Rivers balance the minutes on a deep roster?
-- Nick Friedell, ESPN
July 31: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies - Portland is at -1
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks
July 31, 6:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
Giannis Antetokounmpo is fully recovered from a knee injury that gave him some trouble prior to the suspension of the season. His first chance to knock off more than three months of rust will be against the Celtics, a potential playoff foe. With a 6½-game lead over the second-place Raptors, the Bucks can use the restart as a kind of preseason.
The Celtics don't have that luxury, sitting just 2½ games in front of Miami as both teams try to avoid a showdown with the Bucks in the conference semifinals. Jayson Tatum scored 28 or more points in seven of his nine games following the All-Star break, and will look to pick up where he left off.
-- Friedell, ESPN
The Bucks are an early -5.5 favorite in this one.
August 1: Miami Heat vs. Denver Nuggets was coming in as a PICK'EM.
August 1: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Houston Rockets
No line on this game yet as the Bucks will be playing the night before versus the Boston Celtics.
Remember, all games played in Orlando so no home court advantage will be added to the lines.
- Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com
