PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice; In practice, there is.”
-Chuck Reid
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NBA:
Rookie roundup: Jahlil Okafor stars as NBA’s best rookies make debuts
NBA predictions explained, Tony Parker’s future, Lakers and more
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/28/nba-predictions-mailbag-lakers-thunder-tony-parker-nuggets
What Have Analytics Taught Us About the Original 50 Greatest Players of All Time
Clearing Out the Logjams Around the NBA
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/clearing-out-the-logjams-around-the-nba/
5 Teams That Could Stumble Early
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-5-teams-that-could-stumble-early/
2012 Extensions Not Showing Much Movement
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-2012-extensions-not-showing-much-movement/
Lakers, Timberwolves hold moment of silence for Flip Saunders
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/28/flip-saunders-minnesota-timberwolves-death-nba-teams-honor
Popovich’s Team USA nod gets thumbs up from Coach K
LAMAR ODOM:
Lamar Odom will not need a kidney transplant, to seek counseling for drug addiction
Khloe Kardashian opens up about Lamar Odom’s health scare
http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4659480-khloe-kardashian-lamar-odom-news-update
76ERS:
Okafor scores 26 but Sixers lose opener in Boston
Sixers’ Jahlil Okafor Era begins
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151029_Sixers__Jahlil_Okafor_Era_begins.html
“Best” and “Worst” awards: Sixers vs. Celtics
Brett Brown likens T.J. McConnell to Matthew Dellavedova
BUCKS:
Opening-night thud for Bucks
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/milwaukee-bucks-vs-new-york-knicks-b99605670z1-338098871.html
Let’s hear it for the chest thumping
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/lets-hear-it-for-the-chest-thumping-b99605662z1-338195561.html
BULLS:
Jimmy Butler takes over game late, leads Bulls to 2-0 start
http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1054227/bulls-go-2-0-jimmy-butler-takes-final-quarter
Bulls outscored Nets 42-0 from 3
http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1054265/bulls-outscored-nets-42-0-3
Joakim Noah has 6 fouls and 0 points this season
http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1054216/joakim-noah-6-fouls-0-points-season
While his body recovers, Derrick Rose’s mind stays intact
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-while-his-body-recovers-derrick-roses-mind-stays-intact
Bulls coach tells rookie Bobby Portis to remain patient — and ready
Derrick Rose accuser’s lawsuit seeks $21.5M in damages
http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1054432/derrick-rose-accusers-lawsuit-seeks-21-5m-damages
CAVALIERS:
Cavaliers bounce back from loss to crush Grizzlies 106-76
Cavaliers show improved depth and beat the Grizzlies at their own game
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/cleveland_cavaliers_show_impro.html – incart_river
The Cavaliers didn’t need much from LeBron James to crush Memphis
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/lebron_james_cavaliers_grizzli.html – incart_river
James, Cavaliers held a team meeting with a clear message: Get down to business, now
Cavaliers players knew they were in trouble before the season even started
http://national.suntimes.com/nba/7/72/2019647/cavaliers-players-only-meeting-lebron-in-preseason
CELTICS:
Celtics open season by routing 76ers
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/10/28/celtics/6EHgj3TRy3seq6sQqwbq1J/story.html
Can the Celtics win without a bona fide star?
Jared Sullinger seized his opportunity
Stars, studs and duds: Celtics bench dominates play
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/stars-studs-and-duds-celtics-bench-dominates-play
Thomas, Celts go deep in opening win
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/10/bulpett_thomas_celts_go_deep_in_opening_win
Celtics debut new parquet floor
CLIPPERS:
Clippers beat Sacramento Kings in season opener, 111-104
Clippers give up big lead but come back strong to beat Kings
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-kings-20151029-story.html
Griffin, Pierce help LA Clippers get off to good start
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151028/griffin-pierce-help-la-clippers-get-off-to-good-start
Lance Stephenson gets the start at small forward for the Clippers
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20151029-story.html
Up next for Clippers: Thursday vs. Dallas
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-tonight-20151029-story.html
GRIZZLIES:
Cavs hand Griz season-opening loss
Garbage can opener for Griz
Numbers Game: Defining the problem with grit and grind
NBA pundits like Memphis as a consensus top eight team
Barnes makes up with fan, 2 years after kicking trash can
HAWKS:
Muscala, Sefolosha out vs. Knicks
http://atlantahawks.blog.ajc.com/2015/10/28/muscala-sefolosha-out-vs-knicks/
‘Emotional night’ for Bazemore as rise culminates in cracking Hawks’ starting lineup
http://www.foxsports.com/south/story/atlanta-hawks-kent-bazemore-starting-lineup-102815
4 Observations from Pistons Game
http://atlallday.com/2015/10/28/atlanta-hawks-4-observations-from-pistons-game/
HEAT:
Heat gets team effort to hold off Hornets 104-94 in season opener
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article41766978.html
Heat shows off depth in season opener
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ethan-j-skolnick/article41768553.html
Heat’s Chris Bosh shines in ‘welcome back’ night
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/greg-cote/article41770749.html
You’re going to love Justise Winslow
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/fl-hyde-heat-hornets-column-1029-20151028-column.html
Spoelstra key to strong start for revamped Heat
Heat’s Amar’e Stoudemire sits out opener as rest plan begins
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article41749632.html
HORNETS:
Hornets fall to Heat in season opener
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article41762943.html
Steve Clifford’s Hornets a work-in-progress
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article41770617.html
Will videos lead to slam dunk sale of Michael Jordan’s mansion? You be the judge
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/article41688603.html
JAZZ:
Jazz lose season opener to Pistons 92-87
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3107871-155/utah-jazz-lose-season-opener-to
Jazz doomed during final 23 seconds in season-opening 92-87 loss at Detroit
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865640155/Utah-Jazz-fall-to-Detroit-92-87-in-season-opener.html
Jazz coach Quin Snyder doesn’t get the fuss about starting lineups
Analysis from Pistons win over the Jazz
http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3113124-155/analysis-from-pistons-win-over-the
Raul Neto starts, Trey Burke limited off the bench
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3112102-155/utah-jazz-raul-neto-starts-trey
Jazz commentaries: What we’re most looking forward to this season
Utah Jazz’s bright future could prove very, very expensive down the road
KINGS:
Kings fall short in loss to Clippers in opener
http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/instant-replay-kings-fall-short-loss-clippers-opener
Kings see potential but concerns surface in opening 111-104 loss to Clippers
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article41780874.html
Kings notes: Mbah a Moute is one happy Clipper
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article41772222.html
Rudy Gay in Kings starting lineup’
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article41760909.html
Kings’ opening night is beginning of end for Sleep Train era
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article41759688.html
KNICKS:
New-look Knicks open season with a win. Yes, a win.
Kristaps Porzingis shows tough streak in bang-up Knicks debut
http://nypost.com/2015/10/29/kristaps-porzingis-shows-tough-streak-in-bang-up-knicks-debut/
Knicks rout shows full potential of a team in Derek Fisher’s image
http://nypost.com/2015/10/29/knicks-rout-shows-full-potential-of-a-team-in-derek-fishers-image/
Knicks batter Bucks, Monroe in season-opening statement
http://nypost.com/2015/10/28/knicks-batter-bucks-monroe-in-season-opening-statement/
Knicks’ first game makes Phil Jackson look good with win over Bucks
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/isola-phil-jackson-article-1.2415755
Carmelo wants Knicks fans to be patient and relish ‘F— New York’ honesty
http://nypost.com/2015/10/28/carmelo-talks-f-new-york-video-need-for-knicks-patience/
LAKERS:
Lakers falter in the fourth quarter and fall to Timberwolves, 112-111
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-ln-lakers-timberwolves-season-opener-20151028-story.html
Lakers show good and bad in 112-111 loss to Minnesota
Lakers rookie D’Angelo Russell starts, doesn’t finish in loss to
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20151029-story.html
Kobe Byrant gets off to a hot start on his return
http://national.suntimes.com/national-sports/nba/7/72/2021690/kobe-byrant-gets-hot-start-return/
Kobe’s final (?) season should be a wild ride
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-plaschke-20151029-column.html
How the Lakers can make the playoffs
MAGIC:
Magic lose to Wizards 88-87 in season opener
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-wizards-game-1029-20151028-story.html
Lots of smiles for Skiles on opening night
Elfrid Payton returns to starting lineup as Magic face the Wizards
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1029-20151028-story.html
Postgame Report: Magic vs. Wizards
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/postgame-report-magic-vs.-wizards-10/28/15
Matchup Against Wizards Good Early Test for Magic’s Defense
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/matchup-against-wizards-good-early-test-magics-defense
MAVERICKS:
Mavericks keep foot on the gas in opener, cruise to victory in Phoenix
Team effort pushes Mavericks to easy opening win at Phoenix
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article41779482.html
Nowitzki sparks key 3rd quarter run that put Phoenix away
At least for one night, it’s business over old Dallas friendships for Tyson Chandler
Parsons update: Sunday return possible if upcoming workouts go well
Scouting Mavericks/Clippers: It’s all about DeAndre Jordan
NETS:
High points prove fleeting as Nets begin with a loss to the Bulls
Nets kick off ‘bridge year’ with a dud
http://espn.go.com/blog/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/23064/nets-kick-off-bridge-year-with-a-dud
Nets blown out by Bulls in season opener
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-blown-out-by-bulls-in-season-opener-1.11023955
Andrea Bargnani scores 17 points in Nets debut
NUGGETS:
Nuggets dominate in road win at Houston to open season
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29038955/nuggets-dominate-road-win-at-houston-open-season
Wilson Chandler out a couple weeks for Nuggets
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29039756/wilson-chandler-out-couple-weeks-nuggets
Woman who catfished Chris “Birdman” Andersen online sentenced to jail
PACERS:
Game Rewind: Pacers 99, Raptors 106
http://www.nba.com/pacers/rewind-pacers-raptors-151028
Offense goes cold, fouls pile up in Pacers’ season-opening loss
Pacers’ Paul George putting fractured season behind him
PELICANS:
Pelicans unable to avoid another slow start, lose to Trail Blazers 112-94
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/new_orleans_pelicans_unable_to_4.html – incart_river
What the Pelicans said after Wednesday’s 112-94 loss to Trail Blazers
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/what_the_new_orleans_pelicans_20.html – incart_river
Alvin Gentry is out to remake Pelicans’ defense, starting with Anthony Davis
PISTONS:
Detroit 92, Utah 87: Pistons, 2-0, hold on in home opener
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/28/detroit-pistons-utah-jazz/74726330/
Pistons’ KCP ‘feels great’ after solid game in hometown
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/28/detroit-pistons-atlanta-hawks/74734484/
Andre Drummond at line is a good sign
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/29/detroit-pistons/74787904/
Pistons struggling with pick-and-roll defense this season
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/29/detroit-pistons-pick-roll-defense/74787670/
Pistons’ Jodie Meeks suffers Jones fracture in season opener
http://national.suntimes.com/nba/7/72/2021862/jodie-meeks-jones-fracture-right-foot-injury
5 reasons to be optimistic about Pistons
RAPTORS:
Raptors rally in home opener to beat Indiana Pacers 106-99
Raptors opening victory felt like just another game
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/28/raptors-opening-victory-felt-like-just-another-game
Five talking points from the Raptors’ opener
Raptors adapt well in opener, storm back to subdue Indiana Pacers
The Raptors will go as far as Kyle Lowry takes them, again
ROCKETS:
Rockets dismal in season-opening loss to Nuggets
Rockets’ struggles lead to season-opening loss to Nuggets
Rockets’ Montrez Harrell calls comparison to Kenneth Faried ‘a huge compliment’
Rockets coach Kevin McHale not worried about cohesion between Harden, Lawson
Rockets pay tribute to late Moses Malone at Toyota Center
SPURS:
Spurs take tumble in season opener
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/New-look-Spurs-drop-opener-in-OKC-6597254.php
Spurs fall to Thunder in season opener
In the wake of Leonard — what comes next for Aldridge
SUNS:
Mavericks rout Suns in season opener
Suns offer fans little hope in opener
Nowitzki, Mavs to return for Nash’s induction
THUNDER:
Waiters, Kanter have monster moments in Thunder’s season-opening win over Spurs
Kevin Durant is back, and so is sense of normalcy for Thunder
Nothing was more compelling on opening night than Kevin Durant vs. Kawhi Leonard
Westbrook’s key 3, Ibaka’s heady play highlight thrilling win against Spurs
Thunder fan dedicates website to keeping Kevin Durant in OKC
http://newsok.com/thunder-fan-dedicates-website-to-keeping-kevin-durant-in-okc/article/5456623
TIMBERWOLVES:
Wolves edge Lakers 112-111 in first game since Flip’s death
http://www.si.com/nba/game/2015/10/28/timberwolves-lakers-wednesday-october-28th-2015
Timberwolves: Ricky Rubio sparks big rally in opening victory
Karl-Anthony Towns: ‘Sixth man on floor’ helped Wolves pull out win
http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400827904
Victorious Timberwolves had ‘sixth man on the floor’
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13998991/victorious-minnesota-timberwolves-had-sixth-man-floor
TRAIL BLAZERS:
CJ McCollum erupts for 37 points as Trail Blazers top New Orleans Pelicans, 112-94
Blazers ride McCollum’s career night to impressive season-opening win over New Orleans
Trail Blazers season opener worst development ever
Cliff Alexander reportedly suffers setback in injured left knee, may need surgery
WARRIORS:
The Warriors’ Stephen Curry makes his opening statement
Festus Ezeli’s motivation: ‘I want another ring’
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Festus-Ezili-s-motivation-I-want-another-6597241.php
Warriors’ Andrew Bogut has concussion
Stephen Curry’s new ring: ‘I actually slept with it on last night’
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Stephen-Curry-s-new-ring-I-actually-slept-6596599.php
Joking Curry: ‘I’ll have to play defense’ against Lawson, Rockets
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/joking-curry-i’ll-have-play-defense-against-lawson-rockets
WIZARDS:
Wizards hold off Magic, 88-87, in an opener not lacking for drama
So what exactly happened at the end of the Wizards’ wild win over the Magic?
Martell Webster has a partially torn labrum in his right hip
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.