After watching the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors go toe-to-toe on Thursday night in a classic, one was left to wonder whether a new-age rivalry has been born.
In the NBA nowadays, it only takes a few hotly contested games with the promise of playoff implications. The lack of parity in the NBA has completely changed the game and one of the biggest problems has been the lack of major feuds between teams. Once upon a time, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers had one of the best rivalries in sports. Now, we are more likely to see Rajon Rondo (before he got traded) and Kobe Bryant dining together than leading their respective teams to playoff spots. NBA rivalries aren’t what they once were but there are still a handful of key matchups we can look forward to that feature underlying themes that add to their rivalries.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
When Kobe Bryant called out Dwight Howard following his decision to sign with the Rockets it spurred an individual rivalry that makes the games between Los Angeles and Houston worth watching. The Lakers don’t have James Harden, Trevor Ariza, or Patrick Beverley, but they do have an aging Kobe who gets hyped up in meetings with Houston so he can stick it to Howard. At this point the ongoing feud between he and Howard makes this matchup worth tuning in to see.
Toronto Raptors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Canada’s team versus its former brother team (Vancouver Grizzlies) is one rivalry worth tuning in for. The former Vancouver Grizzlies are now contending for the top seed in the Western Conference while the Raptors are battling for top spot in the Eastern Conference. Factor in Vince Carter’s arrival in Memphis and it led to one of the better games we’ve seen so far this season – especially when an emotional VC was saluted by the fans in Toronto. They might only play twice but the history between these teams makes this rivalry worth watching.
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Sacramento has regressed following a slow start and the Pelicans aren’t ready to contend just yet in the Western Conference either, but this budding rivalry features two of the best young big men in the NBA right now in DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. Teammates on the USA national basketball team, they get the chance to go up against one another every time these teams play. It’s a matchup of two of the best young big men in the NBA, which makes these teams worth watching.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Two of the most exciting teams in the NBA are now battling for the top seeds in the Western Conference, which means the rivalry between them will continue to grow from here on. Whether it’s Chris Paul finding Blake Griffin on the lob or Stephen Curry knocking down a step back three-ball, it’s “Lob City” vs. the “Splash Brothers” and it’s become one of the most exciting matchups to watch in the NBA. Both teams can score points in bunches and with a potential playoff clash in the near future that could take this rivalry to the next level fans. Stay tuned for what’s around the corner.
Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James and Kevin Love went to the Cleveland Cavaliers with championship aspirations in mind and the team most likely to keep them from getting to the NBA Finals is the Chicago Bulls. Derrick Rose is healthy and has been playing with a chip on his shoulder. It’s been pretty fun to watch Tom Thibodeau’s squad now that he has Pau Gasol and Jimmy Butler playing big roles as they’ve both been a big reason for the team’s early season success. The Cavaliers are the favorites to win the NBA title but Chicago could be the team that keeps them from getting there.
