In a stacked Western Conference none of the contending teams can afford an early slip-up. The Portland Trail Blazers will be targeting all these key early matchups to start the season strongly.
Denver Nuggets – Game one
First game up this is a massive matchup. A Western Conference rival who they beat in an amazing seven game series in last years playoffs, this matchup is important to get a jump on their Northwest division rivals. The Nuggets have improved on last year, adding Jerami Grant with Michael Porter Jr making his much awaited début after missing last year with injury.