UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

WINNERS AND LOSERS OF DAY 2 OF NBA SEASON:

WINNERS:

CAVS FANS: This was a really good night for Cavs fans. There were a lot of things in their favor yes, Cody Zeller went out early, their match-up was soft, but they were without Kevin Love. That being said, their rookie Okoro looked solid - he was very efficient on offense. Their questionable back court duo combined for almost 50 points. The team overall did not commit very many turnovers. Things look much more positive than you'd expect from this team. They still have some things to work out - Okoro did allow Hayward to score 28 points, Drummond had more turnovers than assists, Sexton was 6-9 from the line, and they already have a slew of injuries early on. Overall, this team definitely appears to be heading in the right direction and they might end up being a fringe playoff team in an Eastern Conference Completely up for grabs.

TERRY ROZIER: After getting a solid bag in last year's off-season, many were surprised that LaMelo Ball was selected 3rd overall. LaMelo on paper is the better player - he has size, defense, is a prolific passer and scorer, and his name will sell tickets. Rozier doesn't care and he was a flamethrower in Charlotte's first game. While they weren't winners in the sense of an actual victory, he made a loud statement that he is their starter. This could have implications for Devonte' Graham if he continues to play poorly, but as of now, Rozier is a lock in the line-up with a ludicrous 10 3-pointers. He's legit.

PACERS PLAYERS: This could be another case of a team just looking really good against a really bad team, their entire starting line-up (sans TJ Warren) looked excellent. Sabonis topped his career high, Turner matched a career high in blocks (8), Brogdon was flirting with a triple-double, and Oladipo was showing glimpses of his former self. They only ran with a 9-player rotation, so the starters got extra minutes, but they looked very strong for a team that rarely gets talked about with Milwaukee, Boston, Brooklyn, and Philly soaking up all the attention. Warren was another bubble player to have a lukewarm debut, but overall, their fans need to be excited.

LOSERS:

BUBBLE STARS: After the Titan-like battle between Murray and Mitchell in the bubble, it was disappointing to see them both have off nights. Both had different line-ups than they did in the bubble - Mitchell had healthy Conley and Bojan back - Murray lost touches to Michael Porter Jr and Jerami Grant is gone. Both players are too good to assume these performances are the norm, but for many that were expecting these guys to continue their bubble dominance into this season sort of had a spritz of water on that flame.

GIANNIS IN THE CLUTCH: I'll be blunt. You sign your franchise guy to a $50 million a year extension, he better make that game-tying free throw. Milwaukee was gifted a foul that honestly could've been called on Giannis, and that missed free throw could've put the game into overtime. Milwaukee traded away their entire future to keep Giannis there, only to lose to a team that was playing without their starting point guard. There were a lot of star players that didn't look 100%, so we almost have to chalk these games up as outliers - but this isn't a good look after an action-packed off-season.

HOUSTON ROCKETS: This team can't catch a break. Pretty much all of the news that has been heard out of Houston this off-season has been negative. From downgrading Westbrook to Wall, to Harden wanting out and chucking basketballs at rookies, to now COVID outbreaks, fans have got to be pretty nervous. They were set to have a very friendly debut with a good storyline, but did not have the minimal amount of healthy players eligible. The game will be postponed, but the league will likely impose a fine or suspension for Harden for endangering his teammates by breaking COVID protocols. Houston owns their own pick next year, so the quicker they can tank, the better.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

- It was really good to see Gordon Hayward back in action an playing like his old self. He's had a long journey and he may finally have found a home.

- Ja Morant is a freak. I was very bullish on him going into the draft and he once again proved why he is the best player in that draft class.

- Dallas' line-up may be worse than I though. Luka can only do so much and if Kristaps is going to be a problem to stay healthy, it makes those unrestricted picks to New York look really bad.

- Not many rookies really stood out thus far. Analysts have said all along that this was a role player draft and there wouldn't be many break-out candidates. I'm still keeping an eye on Killian, but in the very small sample size, this looks like it might be a runaway for Wiseman.

- Toronto looked really bad. I was loosely saying they would be a team that could fall off, but I didn't think it would be that bad. It's possible that New Orleans is just that good, but lets be realists.

- Robert Covington needs to turn things around quick. Portland essentially gave up two first round picks to get him, so giving up 120 points to a slow-pacing Jazz team is not part of the upgraded defense.

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2020]