The NBA, going into opening night on the 19th of October, has set the tone for the 2021 season. With the league setting up 2 blockbuster clashes to kick-start the season, it simply doesn’t get any bigger than this! Having crowned both the Lakers and Bucks as champions in the last 9 months, the NBA will aim to return to the normal 82 game season, and with fans allowed back in the arenas, the atmosphere will be electric come tipoff.

While LeBron James and the Lakers will take on Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the West, Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets will battle it out against F-MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and NBA champions Milwaukee Bucks in the East.

Celebrating its 75th year, the league has pitted 4 of the biggest heavyweights against each other to start the proceedings for the coming season.

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Los Angeles Lakers vs The Golden State Warriors

The Lakers Warriors rivalry, headlined by arguably 2 of the best players in the modern game in LeBron James and Steph Curry promises to exceed the intensity last time they both met.

While the Warriors were shorthanded last season, the return of splash brother Klay Thompson could sway the odds in their favor. Here’s a quick recap of how it all went down the last time these teams matched up.

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However, the outcome will depend on where the 2 meet, considering the vociferous home crowds both franchises enjoy. And following initial reports suggesting a Lakers home game, with it also being the 1st time Russ and Melo play in the Purple and Gold, Staples Center will be alive and roaring. But then again, Golden State know a thing or 2 about winning in hostile environments!

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Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks

In a repeat of arguably the most intense playoffs matchup in the East last season, Brooklyn takes on Milwaukee. While the 2 teams jawed off against each other first in the regular season, and then the playoffs, KD ran out of healthy partners by the time it was over.

However, with James Harden and Kyrie Irving back, it will finally put the debate to bed on whether the Greek Freak would’ve beaten a healthy Brooklyn juggernaut. In a series where Giannis steamrolled to the rim, made the right passes, rebounded like a monster and defended at the highest level, it was a matter of centimeters that sent Milwaukee over the line.

Durant gave it his all in those 2 games at home, but failed to bring it home, as he was gassed out by the end of regulation in Game 7.

Who will draw first blood? Will the return of Klay Thompson edge Golden State past L.A? Will Giannis slay the three-headed monster in Brooklyn?

To top it all off, further reports of a Lakers vs Brooklyn Christmas Day matchup have also hit social media, with fans going into a frenzy in anticipation of what’s to come.

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