NBA opens season tonight, Wade center of attention

Well, the much anticipated basketball season kicks off tonight. I was so excited that I thought the first game would be played Monday...not quite. The Miami Heat lock up with the Chicago Bulls. This will be a rematch from the first round of the playoffs and feature a great matchup between Shaq and Ben Wallace. Sure Chicago lost Tyson Chandler, but they gained an incredible inside defender in Wallace. His shot blocking and ability to rebound on the offensive glass will give his new team a significant competitive advantage. The two Eastern Conference contenders could very well see each other in the playoffs again.

Tonight all eyes will be on Dwayne Wade to lead the Heat to victory as the same with Kobe Bryant. The Lakers will play the Suns at 10:30 p.m. PT on TNT following the Heat vs. Bulls. I'm sure, recent Hall of Famer, Charles will have his share of colorful commentary in the broadcast studio. I expect D Wade will improve his ppg from last season (27.2) He even averaged 6.7 apg, which if he can duplicate then the Heat will be tough to beat, especially if he shoots an incredible FG % again (49.5 in 05-06) Veteran stars Alonzo Mourning, Antoine Walker, Jason Williams.

It's evident that much of the scoring for the Lakers will be relied on Kobe Bryant, who finished last season with 35.4 ppg and shot 35% from three-point land. The superstar guard claims he's more focused on helping his team win another champioship rather being the best player (scorer) in the NBA. The Lakers did acquire another good shooter in Vladimir Radmanovic, who came over from the Clippers. Much of the same lineup returns including Lamar Odom, Smush Parker, and Chris Mihm. I look for second-year player, Andrew Bynum to get more playing time and give Los Angeles a lift off the bench.

Phoenix will probably keep the game close tonight with the Lakers. Unless Nash or Bryant goes on a tear I think it will come down the final 4 minutes of the 4th quarter. I pick the Heat to win against the Bulls for the simply reason of the Shaq/Wade connection. Also, they have several scoring options off the bench. Rookie guard Robert Hite from Miami University will get to show his skills, but not tonight most likely. He may later become another scoring threat for the Heat. It's going to be a thrilling night for the official start of the NBA season.