Day 3 of the 2016-17 NBA regular season has four huge games on-board, including a pair of powerhouse matchups between very, very familiar foes.
The Boston Celtics travel to the United Center for their first road trip of the year against the new-look Chicago Bulls, who, on the other hand, are making their season debut. Following this game, Damian Lillard and the rest of his Portland Trail Blazers welcome Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers into Rip City. Read on below for a quick look at today’s best games.
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Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Boston Celtics (TBA) vs. Chicago Bulls (TBA); total: TBA – view all NBA lines
The Celtics needed almost everything they had to win their season opener last night, as the visiting Nets nearly rallied back from a 23-point deficit in the fourth period. Head coach Brad Stevens was forced to send back his first-stringers to secure the 122-117 win.
Isaiah Thomas had a game-high 25 points; Jae Crowder pitched in 21 points and Al Horford, who was making his Boston debut, added 11 points, five boards and six dimes. These three should play a key role in tonight’s matchup the Bulls.
Speaking of the Bulls, their fans are surely excited to see Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo make their respective debuts. But wait a minute, the Bulls are still Jimmy Butler’s team and he will likely take the lead offensively in this game. Butler averaged 20.9 points per contest a year ago.
Writer’s Prediction
The Celtics spoil Wade’s and Rondo’s debut, escaping with a 104-99 victory.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers (10:30 PM ET)
Line: Los Angeles Clippers (-2) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (+2); total: 210.0 – view all NBA lines
Damian Lillard was unstoppable in Portland’s win over Utah during Opening Night. The two-time All-Star lit up the stat sheet with 39 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Trailing him was his backcourt mate in C.J. McCollum, who contributed nearly as much with 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting.
The Trail Blazers may have won, but there’s a lot of work to be done with regards to their defense, which allowed two Jazz players to score more than 20 points. If Portland doesn’t find an answer to this, then the Chris Paul-led Clippers might just hand Lillard and co. their first loss of the season. LA racked up 104.1 points per contest last season, which was among the highest in the league.
Writer’s Prediction
Clippers (-2) win it, 111-108.
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