There’s only one way to kick off the NBA season and that’s with a CoA guide. Staff reporter Arnav Bhagat and editors, Ellie Lieberman and Sophie White, weigh in on how to watch the first games.

Creative Commons Image by Keith Allison

By Arnav Bhagat, Ellie Lieberman and Sophie White

1. Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs
NBA fans, get ready. The big bad Warriors kick off their season tomorrow night against the new look Spurs. For the first time in 19 years, the Spurs won’t have Tim Duncan holding it down in the post. However, this game is less about the matchup and more about Kevin Durant’s first game as a Warrior. Even before KD decided to take his talents to the Bay, the Dubs were already a 73 win team, so come tomorrow night, all eyes will be on the Warriors to ball out and show the NBA they’re not about to be messed with. After the Warriors’ tragic loss in last year’s NBA Finals, Oracle will most definitely be rockin’, especially if Steph Curry hits his signature tunnel shot right out of the gate. As far as the actual game goes, a Kawhi Leonard- Draymond Green matchup is always an elite battle on both ends of the floor, and Kyle Anderson, who’s expected to start at shooting guard for the Spurs, matches up well with Klay Thompson, given their similar size and physique. Another guy to watch out for is Pat McCaw, the Warriors’ second round draft pick. Right now he’s sitting behind Thompson and Ian Clark on the depth chart, but if he can get minutes tomorrow night, he’ll flat out play; he’s fast, a good shooter, and isn’t afraid of the big moment. If the Warriors start out too wired and tense and never really find their groove, the Spurs will walk out of Oracle 1-0. But, if the Warriors come out hyped and have fun with it, there’s no doubt they’ll take the W tomorrow night.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
Tomorrow night the New York Knicks and the reigning champion Cleveland Cavaliers will face off in an anticipated opening night matchup at Quicken Loans Arena. The Kicks are coming off a historic offseason, bringing in All-Stars Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah to play alongside Carmelo Anthony and second-year power forward Kristaps Porzingis. With Rose labeling the Knicks as super team, and placing them in the same class as the Golden State Warriors, it will add an interesting dynamic to see if Derrick Rose’s claims hold merit come tomorrow night. Jeff Hornacek wants his Knicks to play angry after watching the Cavs’ ring ceremony, so look for the game to be a fast-paced battle. Going in to face LeBron James’ team is never an easy task, and the Cavaliers will be ready, so look for the Knicks to put a quick stop to the Cavs’ firepower offense.

3. Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The Jazz are a reflection of the Blazers old self and yes, and they have the potential to become just as good, if not better. Their starting roster is full of talent in all positions, but their success depends on chemistry. Look for the NBA vets, Gordon Hayward and George Hill, to lead the Jazz emotionally, but not necessarily statistically. Rudy Gobert will likely pile on many more double-doubles and Derrick Favors and Rodney Hood have the potential to pack a punch in the paint. If struggles face the Jazz early, you’ll see Joe Johnson and Boris Diaw hopping off the bunch, Diaw without his signature espresso machine in hand. On the other hand, the Blazers are more developed and certainly have the history to win any game this year. Damian Lillard and C.J McCollum are as dynamic of a duo you could ask for and Portland got bigger this offseason with the additions of Evan Turner and Festus Ezeli. However, the Turner move in particular is questionable because he’s a bit of a ball hog and an inefficient one at that. I think the Jazz will take the cake early in this Pacific Northwest matchup.