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NBA Predictions and Reactions: Hoops Habit’s First Quarter NBA Survey

By Michael Shearer

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 104-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 104-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NBA Predictions and Reactions
Nov 29, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) and Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) hug after the game at United Center, NBA Predictions and Reactions: Hoops Habit’s First Quarter NBA Survey. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Predictions and Reactions: What has been your favorite moment thus far?

Shearer: Watching the rookies shine. I can’t get enough of Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes. I have watched every Alperen Sengun wild turnover and jaw-dropping assist. Franz Wagner is posterizing people on the reg and Chris Duarte is a real-deal shooter. I love Cade Cunningham’s poise, Davion “Off Night” Mitchell’s defense, Josh Giddey’s court vision. There are legitimately 17 rookies I could name here, so I’ll stop there, but let’s just say it’s been one heck of a class so far.

Jeter: Any Bulls turnover that turns into a fast break. Despite lacking viable rim protection, the Bulls have cultivated a Top-10 defense (and the offense has finally caught up, too) thanks to their knack for generating turnovers and turning them into highlight reel-worthy plays on the other end. Consequently, this Bulls team has been fun to watch, which is a nice change from the last few seasons.

Rausch: Admitting all bias on the front end, for me it was when Cade Cunningham was asked about his potential rivalry with Jalen Green. Green dunked on Cade in the game and screamed in his direction. Green clearly wants this rivalry to be a thing. Cunningham’s response in the postgame said it all: “Nothing that I heard tonight held any weight – it was all for the cameras.”

Harris: Watching how all the new pieces on new teams around the league fit in. It’s always interesting to see franchises adjust to major free-agent additions and subtractions.

Marcus: It’s been a pure joy for me to see Kristaps Porzingis playing again like he used to. You have to give Jason Kidd credit for unlocking the Latvian Beast. It’s also great to see Steph Curry once again performing at MVP heights. How can you not love basketball when you see Curry sink a three from the logo?

O’Keefe: Most diehard Warriors fans will remember the annihilation they were dealt on opening night in Brooklyn last season. Golden State’s win against the Nets, just over a fortnight ago, reconciled some of the nightmares from that night. More importantly, it signified the team’s return to a potential championship contender. There’s also a joy and amazement in watching Stephen Curry play basketball, a pleasure to watch on that night like so many this season.

Simone: I’m a big Celtics guy, so opening night vs. the Knicks was my favorite moment so far. I know the C’s didn’t win, but that game was too amazing not to pick. Marcus Smart hitting the three at the end of regulation, the intensity of double-overtime, and everything in between. It was the perfect way to start the NBA season.