Celtics vs Bulls (Slo's pick: Bulls)
After a very impressive win last night against San Antonio the Bulls are heading into the same arena which welcomed them to the offseason on May 2nd. The Celtics are a much better team but I'm not very confident in picking them tonight. I think and hope that the Bulls will go in with a chip on their shoulder and give the Celtics a game. I'm probably going to regret this but I'm going to bet with my heart and take the Bulls. Call it wishful thinking.
76ers vs Bucks (Slo's pick: 76ers)
The Sixers are a much better team than the Bucks and will prove it tonight in their home opener. The pressure is on the Sixers right now because if you look around the east, there is a very good chance that Philadelphia won't be hosting any playoff games this season.
Bobcats vs Knicks (Slo's pick: Bobcats)
Both of these teams are terrible and that makes this game hard to pick. I'm going to go with the Bobcats because they're home and because Gerald Wallace has the potential to have a big game against his far inferior adversary Jared Jeffries.
Hawks vs Wizards (Slo's pick: Hawks)
Despite the Wizards' impressive showing in Dallas I'm not yet convinced that they're a legitimate contender in the east. The Hawks are battle tested and are as dangerous as anyone at home. This is a tricky one to call because I don't know which Wizards team is going to show up because it's so early in the season.
Hornets vs Kings (Slo's pick: Hornets)
The Hornets are returning home for the first time since their humiliating 58 point defeat in last year's playoffs. I think they're going to mercilessly destroy the Kings. This one won't be close.
Pistons vs Thunder (Slo's pick: Pistons)
The Pistons are a much better team than the Thunder as far as record goes but I'm not entirely convinced that they're a much better team. Don't forget that the west is much deeper than the east in terms of good teams. Having to play the Lakers, Spurs, Nuggets, and Mavericks four times a year is bound to take its toll on a team's record. I'm going against my gut in this pick, but I think the Pistons will come out firing and come away with a win.
Pacers vs Heat (Slo's pick: Heat)
The Heat are much more talented than the Pacers and should win this game easily. Danny Granger is about the only thing in the Pacers' arsenal who's capable of doing any significant damage on a given night.
T'Wolves vs Cavaliers (Slo's pick: Cavaliers)
The Cavs are the second best team in the east and are bound to win sometime soon. They are 20 points better than the T'Wolves and walk away with a win without breaking a sweat.
Nets vs Magic (Slo's pick: Magic)
Vince Carter is making his first trip back to New Jersey tonight and will show the Nets' front office exactly what they got rid of. The Magic will win this game in a blowout.
Suns vs Warriors (Slo's pick: Suns)
The Suns are not the team they've been in the last 5 years but they are still better than the Warriors. What makes the Warriors dangerous is that Monta Ellis could go off any night. I'm taking the Suns and just hoping that they can keep Ellis contained.
Lakers vs Mavericks (Slo's pick: Lakers)
This is the first test that the defending champions will face this season and I'm predicting that they're going to pass with flying colors. The Mavs are a hungry team in search of their first win but it won't come tonight.
Slo's record on the season: 11-7
Slo's record last night: 0-2
