The NBA season is starting off with maybe its most intriguing game of the 2017-18 campaign, as Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics are on the road to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even beyond the obvious “Kyrie vs. Cleveland” subplot, this will match up will feature the two best teams in the Eastern Conference, both of which underwent major roster changes during the offseason to some extent.
But if you can’t watch the game for whatever reason, don’t worry. We simulated the entire thing on NBA 2K18 to try and figure out what would happen before it ever tipped off.
The mission: Simulate a full, 48-minute matchup. The teams: Cleveland and Boston. The outcome: Watch the entire thing right here.
If you’d rather not spend the next 90 minutes watching the entire thing, here’s what ends up happening. And if you’re a Cavs fan, we’re sorry, but NBA 2K18 says you’re going to lose a heartbreaker.
So basically, Cleveland is going to do a whole bunch of stuff right — including crushing Boston on the boards — but the Celtics’ ability to hit shots from downtown at a much better (and more frequent) clip is the difference maker.
Now it’s time for the most important part: How did Irving do in his return to Ohio? As it turns out, NBA 2K18 thinks he’s going to have a monster game.
Irving and Gordon Hayward combining for 68 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds on some really efficient shooting would give Boston a chance in just about every game it plays this year. That’s also a very solid performance from Al Horford, while Marcus Morris, Marcus Smart, and Jaylen Brown all have nice games.
As for the Cavs, here’s what you can expect.
Look at Tristan Thompson throwing down a 20-point, 16-rebound night on 9-for-9 shooting! Anyway, Kevin Love and LeBron James have double-doubles, Dwyane Wade is great, and Derrick Rose has a solid night.
But in the end, Irving and the Celtics are going to come out on top by one point. If we get this on Tuesday, it would be just about the perfect start to the 2017-18 season. Well, unless you’re a Cavs fan.
