![The Houston Rockets open up their season on October 17 against New Orleans. - [NBA / YouTube screencap]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/10/17/660x290/b_502x220x82/the-houston-rockets-open-up-their-season-on-wednesday-night-against-new-orleans-image-via-nbayoutube_2122883.jpg "The Houston Rockets open up their season on October 17 against New Orleans. - [NBA / YouTube screencap]")
It's only the second night of NBA action, but Wednesday brings some intriguing matchups. A total of 22 teams get their regular seasons started. Below are five games that could hold the most intrigue and excitement as the NBA season begins.
Cavaliers vs Raptors 7:30 PM ET
The point-spread is large here, with the Raptors favored by 11 or more. That's because the Cavaliers are beginning a season without LeBron for the first time in a while. Meanwhile, the home team gets their latest journey started under a new coach and with All-Star Kawhi Leonard. Fans will be watching to see how the former NBA finals MVP performs.
(@TheRock voice) After 163 days...Finally, basketball has come back to Toronto!
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 17, 2018
It's @TangerineHoops Raptors game day. #WeTheNorth
Preview » https://t.co/SS8BsZalX4 pic.twitter.com/hGrLB1SGw1
Atlanta vs New York 7:30 PM ET
At first glance, this game may seem like an uninteresting matchup when it comes to contenders. However, with the Eastern Conference wide open, it leaves possibilities. In addition, two promising rookies suit up for the Hawks and Knicks with Trae Young and Kevin Knox, respectively. Keep an eye on these names as potential candidates in the ROY race. There's also Jeremy Lin and veteran Vince Carter suiting up for the ATL this season.
Ladies and gentlemen. Let's play some basketball. See you tonight, @nyknicks.
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) October 17, 2018
📍 The Garden
⏰ 7:30 PM
📺 @HawksOnFSSE
📻 @929TheGame #TrueToAtlanta | #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/uDLvnTpWUi
Pelicans vs Rockets 8 PM ET (ESPN)
Anthony Davis recently proclaimed himself the best player in the NBA. He'll start his latest season without the help of DeMarcus Cousins, but new big man Julius Randle is there. Meanwhile, James Harden and Chris Paul now have some help, maybe. Veteran Carmelo Anthony joins the squad after just a season with OKC.
We're on the verge of something great. It's Go Time, Houston! Let's Run It Back. #RunAsOne pic.twitter.com/2uNM8lw0Vo
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 17, 2018
Timberwolves vs Spurs 8:30 PM ET
This game features a number of storylines to keep an eye on. First and foremost, it's expected that Jimmy Butler will participate in the game, despite his issues with the team. On the opposing side is a Spurs squad that no longer has Kawhi Leonard. Now, they'll rely on new All-Star DeMar DeRozan. The home team Spurs are two-point favorites.
Spurs. Basketball. Is. Back.
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 17, 2018
Our 2018-19 season tips off TONIGHT!!!#GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/bpuWtkJyII
Mavericks vs Suns 10:30 PM ET (ESPN)
Not many fans expect these teams to compete for the playoffs, at least not right now. However, they feature some of the best young talent in the league. Fans may get their first look at No. 1 pick DeAndre Ayton and fellow top five pick Luka Doncic. In addition, there's Dennis Smith Jr., Devin Booker, and veteran Dirk Nowitzki. Right now, the Suns are just one-point favorites at home.
It's finally here...GAME DAY! 😤 Stay up late with us as the Mavs take on the @Suns in GAME 1 of the 2018-2019 season!
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) October 17, 2018
🏀: 9:30PM CT
📺@FoxSportsSW
📻: @1033fmESPN#MFFL pic.twitter.com/cq49C6FnEW
