INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WTVB) – The Detrpoit Pistons play their first game of the regular season tomorrow against the Pacers at Indiana. The home opener is Thursday against Atlanta.
Detroit has waived 38-year-old veteran Joe Johnson. His contract would have become guaranteed after 5:00 p.m. yesterday.
The NBA regular season tips off tonight with a doubleheader. In the opener, the New Orleans Pelicans travel to face the defending champion Toronto Raptors. The Raptors will raise their championship banner and receive their rings in a ceremony before the game.
In the nightcap, former Raptor Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers face the rival Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center. Leonard played sparingly in the preseason, but has been declared fully healthy for the opener.
The Lakers will debut their new All-Star in Anthony Davis, who was acquired from New Orleans over the summer. LeBron James is back for his second season in the Purple and Gold. NBA action ramps up on Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule.
The New Orleans Pelicans will begin their season without Zion Williamson after the No. 1 overall pick has undergone surgery on his right knee, keeping him out for six to eight weeks. The injury kept Williamson from playing in New Orleans’ preseason finale last week before it was announced as a torn meniscus.
The 6-foot-6, 285-pound former Duke star averaged 23.2 points in four preseason games.