Basketball / Nick Shiambouros / 27 October 2009 / Leave a comment

The 2009/10 NBA season gets underway on Tuesday evening as the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Boston Celtics at the Q Arena. Nick Shiambouros applauds the NBA for scheduling what is undoubtedly the game of the week so early in the season.

"The pressure will be on Cleveland on Tuesday as a home loss would be a huge psychological blow to them."

The Celtics had a tough season with injuries last year and eventually lost a game seven decider against the Orlando Magic in the Conference semi-finals. This year they are healthy and more importantly they are fundamentally the same team that won the championship in 2008.The only significant difference is that they signed power forward Rasheed Wallace from the Detroit Pistons .

They've looked impressive in pre-season and will be ready and focused for this huge first game.

Cleveland signed Shaquille O'Neal during the summer and as previously reported I am not totally convinced he is a good fit for this team. There is no question that the great LeBron James will want to make a big statement against Boston and make no mistake he will treat this like a play-off.

The pressure will be on Cleveland on Tuesday as a home loss would be a huge psychological blow to them. It could be a low scoring affair as both teams protect the basket very well. It may take a while for players to adjust and find their shooting range. All in all it promises to be a very competitive affair.

A little later on Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Los Angeles Clippers in a local affair at the Staples Center.

I am really looking forward to staying up for this one as Ron Artest will make his debut for the Lakers and rookie sensation Blake Griffin starts for the Clippers.
On paper the Lakers appear to be a much stronger team with Artest in the rotation but there are questions to be answered. Will this team have the right chemistry with Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest on the same side? Both players have strong personalities but this is Bryant's team and he will want to keep it that way.

Another dynamic player is Lamar Odum who married reality television star Khloe Kardashian after dating her for only a month. There have been rumours that his high profile marriage may lead to distractions off the court which may affect his game.

The Clippers have yet another first round draft pick in Blake Griffin and I really hope they can improve on last season's pitiful effort.

I do not think they will trouble the Lakers in this game though and I will be backing Los Angeles with the handicap (-9.5) for the win.

The Portland Trailblazers host the Houston Rockets on opening night and the Trailblazers are very much a team that could have a huge year. The future is now for this team led by Brandon Roy. I think they are a very talented young team and should have too many weapons for a Houston team that has been depleted by injuries and the departure of Ron Artest.

The Trailblazers will be very tough to beat at home this year with their loyal fans spurring them on. My cash will be on Portland with the handicap (-8.5) and I am expecting a strong performance.　
　
I cant wait for the opening tip on Tuesday and another season of this great sport. Let the games begin!

Recommended Wagers:

Back under 188.5 points Cleveland v Boston;
Back Los Angeles Lakers -9.5;
Back Portland -8.5

Tags: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA 2009/10, NBA Betting Odds, NBA betting tips, Nick Shiambouros, Portland Trailblazers, Shaquille O'Neal