There were a lot of reports recently that the Miami Heat would open the 2010-2011 NBA season against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but even though that would be interesting to see LeBron James return to a hostile crowd in Cleveland, it would ultimately result in a blowout in my opinion.
So despite the Cavs/Heat opener being appealing, the NBA has elected to go for a better matchup by having the two best teams in the Eastern Conference go head to head in the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics.
This will be an intriguing matchup to say the least as it will immediately test the Miami Heat and the NBA’s newest superpower. The Boston Celtics will almost certainly be a handful for the Miami Heat’s big three as their suffocating defense will force one or all of the team’s new superstars to step up and will show whether or not D-Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James can play together.
Personally, I believe this will be a serious wakeup call for Dwyane Wade and company as this game could be a severe reality check for team that is favored to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.
The only other matchup that I believe would have been a better choice for the season opener on October 26th would have been the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Miami Heat, but depending on the result of this season opener, this might build up the anticipation for a Lakers/Heat showdown later in the season.
Hopefully, the Kobe Bryant and company will face off against D-Wade’s boys on Christmas Day, but in the meantime at least we have this matchup to look forward to!
Odds to win the NBA Finals
Miami Heat: 7 to 4
Cleveland Cavaliers: 60 to 1
Boston Celtics: 12 to 1
Los Angeles Lakers: 11 to 4
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