Sacramento at Portland

A young Sacramento team has to open the season on the road. The Kings love to score points but the defense was terrible, ranking third-worst in the NBA last year in points surrendered (117.4 ppg), last in field goal shooting (48.8% allowed), and #26 at defending beyond the arc (38%). Sacramento was also #29 in points given up in the paint, #26 in second-chance points. Portland had defense problems, too, but new coach Chauncey Billups has put an emphasis on improving the 'D' and the front office added Larry Nance, Jr., who averaged 1.7 steals last year, tied for fourth-most in the NBA. This offense is outstanding behind guards Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, making this a great opening night matchup for the home team. Play Portland.