Express-News NBA writer Mike Monroe sizes up the best of the opening night storylines.

The Big Sidekick

Celtics AT Cavaliers, 6:30 TONIGHT, TNT

Shaquille O'Neal promises he can do for LeBron James what he did in 2006 for Dwyane Wade: Make one of the league's most dazzling individual stars a champion. Right out of the gate, he gets to face the most improved elite team in the East. Best sub-plot: See if the ball lies when new Celtic Rasheed Wallace is called for fouling a Cav in the act of shooting.

Curses, foiled again

Clippers VS. LAKERS, 9:30 TONIGHT, TNT

Is The Curse of the Clippers about to strike again? No. 1 overall draft pick Blake Griffin dinged his left knee in the Clips' preseason finale. If he can't go tonight, in the first game of his pro career, might he be destined for a Danny Manning-like career, star-crossed and frustrated? Clippers die-hards hope for the best, but fear the worst.

Agent Zero's hour

Wizards AT MAVS, 7:30 TONIGHT

Washington's Gilbert Arenas, one of the league's most exciting players, makes another comeback attempt, opening against one of the league's most improved rosters. If Arenas is Arenas, the Wizards are a dark horse in the Eastern title chase. No ifs about the Mavs: They're in the West title picture.

Manu happy returns

Hornets VS. Spurs , 7 P.M. WEDNESDAY, ESPN AND KENS

The World Wide Leader's spotlight may be on Richard Jefferson when the season tips for the Spurs , but true fans of the Silver and Black know the loudest early ovation will be reserved for Manu Ginobili. Listen to the roars, then consult your program to keep track of all of Manu's new teammates.