The big dates of the NBA calendar are beginning to leak out, and they include the Warriors hosting the Thunder on Opening Night.
It is customary for the defending champions to receive their rings on Opening Night, and the Warriors will do so for the second year in a row when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 16th.
Golden State welcomed the Rockets to Oracle Arena on Opening Night last year, and they lost a thrilling game to Houston after the ring ceremony.
The Warriors are 2-2 in their first game of the season under Steve Kerr, including losses in each of the past couple of years against the Rockets and Spurs.
Golden State’s Opening Night loss against San Antonio in 2016 is not a pleasant memory for Warriors fans as they were drubbed by the Spurs in the team’s first game with Kevin Durant.
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Golden State has recovered from Opening Night losses to win each of the past two championships, but they don’t plan on having to do that again this season.
Blue Man Hoop contributor Michael Shultz has identified the Thunder as the biggest threat to the Warriors’ title hopes next year.
OKC has undergone addition by subtraction this year after trading Carmelo Anthony to the Hawks. Melo was one of the most inefficient high-volume players in the league last season. And those shots will most likely go to Russell Westbrook and Paul George, who are far superior offensive players.
The loss of Anthony will also improve Oklahoma City’s defense as he was an absolute sieve on that end of the floor last year.
Golden State went 2-2 against the Thunder last season, and there were plenty of fireworks in those matchups between the two rivals.
NBA fans can expect an emotional contest again on Opening Night.
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