NBA teams can face challenges early in the season, which might affect their chances of success later on.
Memphis Grizzlies:
The Grizzlies are dealing with a string of injuries. GG Jackson and Vince Williams, Jr. got hurt, and then Jaren Jackson, Jr. strained his hamstring during training camp. To make matters worse, Ja Morant injured his ankle too. Although both Jackson and Morant are expected to return for the season opener, the team has had little time to play together as a unit. Rookie Zach Edey is still finding his footing in preseason games, which isn’t ideal in the tough Western Conference where every game counts.
Phoenix Suns:
The Suns have a challenging schedule right from the start. They face tough teams like the Lakers and Clippers four times in their first five games. Their home opener is against last year’s Western Conference champions, the Mavericks, on a back-to-back night. Out of their first 17 games, 12 are against teams that made it to the playoffs last year, plus two more against the strong Sacramento Kings. This isn’t an easy beginning for new coach Mike Budenholzer as he introduces a fresh offensive system and integrates four new players into regular rotation.
Philadelphia 76ers:
For the Sixers this season, keeping veterans healthy for playoffs is key. Joel Embiid and Paul George will need frequent rest due to knee issues they’re already managing. The team also has up to 10 new players this year who weren’t around last season! As they adjust to each other, they’ll face 11 likely playoff contenders within their first 14 gamesโincluding a difficult three-game West Coast road trip followed by back-to-back matchups with Knicks and Cavaliers.
Fans hope these early challenges won’t derail any team’s playoff dreams!
Portland Trail Blazers:
Portland faces perhaps one of NBA’s toughest schedules this seasonโ13 out of their first 15 opponents reached at least play-in status last year; remaining two include improved Spurs & Grizzlies squads! Adding insult injury: Blazers endure four back-to-backs across opening three weeks (meaning short rests between matches). They’re also starting without Shaedon Sharpe or Robert Williams due rehab needs.
Los Angeles Clippers:
Clippers open new arena October 23rd but don’t get much breathing room initiallyโeven counting home clash versus Blazersโthey might be underdogs eight times within initial nine outings! Especially if Kawhi Leonard remains absent; he missed several playoff contests April before undergoing knee surgery May then withdrew Olympic participation while skipping drills/training camps entirelyโmaking early grind daunting even more so minus “The Claw” presence: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5792418/2024/09/24/clippers-kawhi-leonard-knee-procedure/
In conclusion? Every team must navigate unique hurdles ahead…but surprises always abound when sports unfold unpredictably!
