Triple Threat: NBA early-season games

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Posted: 10/31/08

Face it. The NBA has dropped in popularity since the end of the Michael Jordan (above) era. The Celtics-Lakers Finals last season brought back some nostalgia from a better time in professional basketball, but the pro game is still not as popular as its part-time seasonal counterpart (the NFL). The 2009 season kicked off Wednesday night. Are you excited?

Here are three early-season storylines for the diehards out there.

1. Knicks

Stephon Marbury and Eddy Curry spent the entire 48 minutes of New York's first game on the bench with Did Not Play - Coach's Decision next to their names on the official results. Understandable. Marbury is past his prime and Curry is way too slow for Mike D'Antoni's run-and-gun offense.

2. Spurs

Manu Ginobili will be out until approximately mid-December after ankle surgery, and San Antonio dropped its season opener to Phoenix. The Spurs won't get off to a great start this season, but it won't matter much. As soon as Ginobili is back, the team will rocket to the top of the Western Conference.

3. Cavaliers

This storyline will continue through the entire season. Cleveland needs to make a move now if they have any hope to resign LeBron James. But even if the Cavs do add another playmaker to their roster it probably won't matter. LeBron is out the door and on his way to Brooklyn to play for Jay-Z in 2010.

-Scott Richey