MIAMI — Ray Allen calls it the most-anticipated opening matchup in NBA history. Dwyane Wade wanted to say this is just another game, then acknowledged that would be a lie. LeBron James has been motivated by this looming moment for weeks.
Boston’s Big 3, meet Miami’s Big 3.
The curtain goes up on the NBA season tonight in Boston, where the Heat will visit the Celtics in a game that’s oozing with subplots.
Wade’s season ended in Boston last spring. James’ seven- year run with Cleveland ended there a couple of weeks later.
Arenas could miss opener
WASHINGTON — Gilbert Arenas still has a sore right ankle and could miss the Washington Wizards’ season opener.
Arenas sat out practice for the second straight day Monday. Coach Flip Saunders said the ankle has fluid buildup and the team will have to “wait to see how it is” ahead of Thursday’s opener at Orlando.
Footnotes.
Pistons coach John Kuester said he expects to start 6-foot-11, 200-pound Austin Daye at power forward. Detroit opens its season at New Jersey on Wednesday.
• Timberwolves swingman Martell Webster will miss the next four to six weeks to recover from back surgery.
• The Bulls exercised the fourth-year contract option on forward Derrick Rose and third-year options on Taj Gibson and James Johnson.
• The Trail Blazers signed free agent Fabricio Oberto to help the team at center.
• The Kings exercised a contract option on reigning rookie of the year Tyreke Evans, forwards Jason Thompson and Donte Greene and second- year forward Omri Casspi.
The Associated Press
