NBA Opening Day 2023: Key Matchups, Surprising Results and Season Predictions

The moment the 2023 NBA season tipped off, I could feel that familiar electricity in the air—a mix of renewed hope and burning questions. As someone who’s followed the league for over two decades, opening night isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a statement. This year, the matchups were perfectly curated: the defending champions facing a retooled rival, and a young, explosive team testing its mettle against an established powerhouse. But what struck me most wasn't just the final scoreboard—it was the underlying stories of player readiness, conditioning, and that intangible leap from practice intensity to game-level pressure. It reminded me of a quote I recently came across from veteran player Allein Maliksi in a different league, who at 37 said, "Still recovering pa, strengthening and more on conditioning. Actually, ako 'yung nagsabi kila coach Luigi, parang feeling ko hindi pa ako ready for the game. Kasi sa practice nakakasabay naman ako. Pero ibang 'yung level ng game eh." That sentiment, I believe, resonates deeply even at the NBA level. Players can look sharp in scrimmages, but the real test comes under the bright lights, where every possession is dissected by millions.

Take the Nuggets-Lakers opener, for instance. On paper, Denver was the clear favorite, returning mostly intact from their championship run. But the Lakers, with their offseason moves, promised a tougher challenge. And for three quarters, they delivered—until the fourth quarter, where Denver’s conditioning and chemistry shone through. The final score, 119-107, doesn’t fully capture how the Nuggets managed to pull away. Nikola Jokic, in my view, was simply sublime, flirting with a triple-double and finishing with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. But what impressed me more was Jamal Murray’s 21 points and his clutch shooting down the stretch. The Lakers’ LeBron James put up a valiant 27 points, but Anthony Davis’s 22 points and 8 rebounds felt quieter than they should have. I’ve always felt Davis is at his best when he’s aggressive early, but tonight, he seemed to fade when it mattered most. That’s the "level of the game" Maliksi was talking about—the ability to sustain performance when fatigue sets in and the stakes are highest.

Then there was the Warriors-Suns matchup, which I personally had circled on my calendar. Golden State versus Phoenix—a battle of systems, star power, and perhaps a preview of the Western Conference finals. The Suns, with their new Big Three of Durant, Booker, and Beal, were supposed to overwhelm teams with offensive firepower. And they did, to an extent. Kevin Durant dropped 31 points, looking as smooth as ever, but Devin Booker’s 25 points and 10 assists were the real engine. What surprised me, though, was how the Warriors’ supporting cast stepped up. Chris Paul, coming off the bench for the first time in his career, dished out 12 assists and controlled the tempo in a way that only a future Hall-of-Famer can. Stephen Curry was, well, Stephen Curry—28 points, including 5 threes, and that iconic shimmy after a deep three in the third quarter. But let’s be honest: the Warriors’ 115-108 win wasn’t just about the stars. It was about their bench outscoring Phoenix’s 42-28, a stat that might haunt the Suns if they don’t address their depth. I’ve always believed that regular-season depth is overrated in playoff conversations, but games like this make me reconsider.

Now, looking at these opening games, I can’t help but think about the broader season predictions. In the East, I’m sticking with the Celtics as my favorite to come out, largely because of their offseason addition of Kristaps Porzingis, who gives them a different dimension on both ends. But Milwaukee, with Damian Lillard now alongside Giannis, will be a nightmare matchup—I’d give them a 65% chance of making the Conference Finals if they stay healthy. Out West, it’s murkier. Denver is the team to beat, no question, but I have a gut feeling about the Mavericks. Luka Doncic is poised for an MVP-level season, and if Kyrie Irving buys in consistently, they could disrupt the hierarchy. As for dark horses, keep an eye on Oklahoma City—their young core, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is ready to take a leap, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they win around 48 games and make some noise in the playoffs.

But let’s circle back to that idea of readiness, because it’s something I’ve observed year after year. When Maliksi spoke about not feeling ready despite keeping up in practice, it highlighted a universal truth in professional sports: game speed is irreplaceable. We saw glimpses of that in the Lakers’ fourth-quarter collapse and even in the Suns’ occasional defensive lapses. It’s why preseason hype often fizzles early—players need real minutes to find their rhythm. For example, the Lakers’ new acquisition, Taurean Prince, shot just 3-of-10 from the field, and while it’s only one game, it underscores how adjustments take time. On the flip side, the Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr., who’s had his own injury battles, looked spry and confident, draining 4 threes and reminding everyone why he’s such a crucial piece.

As the season unfolds, I’ll be watching how teams manage player loads and integrate new pieces. The league has shifted toward prioritizing health over seeding, and rightly so. But opening night gave us a taste of the narratives that will define the next six months: legacy chases, rising stars, and the eternal battle between preparation and performance. If I had to bet, I’d say Denver repeats if they stay healthy, but don’t sleep on Boston’s versatility. Either way, the journey will be as thrilling as the destination. After all, that’s the beauty of the NBA—every game writes a new chapter, and every player, from veterans to rookies, faces that same jump from practice to the bright lights. And honestly, that’s why we keep coming back.