[huge_bart_simpson]

Detroit Pistons @ Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers kicked off their quest for the title by rolling over the fellow Eastern Conference heavyweight Pistons, defeating them 134-119. Philadelphia were led by a great game from Moses Malone, who put up 30 points and 13 rebounds on 14-19 shooting. Rookie Otis Thorpe (23 points, 9 rebounds) and dependable stalwart Julius Erving (21 points, 8 assists) also posted good numbers, while Andrew Toney, Marc Iavaroni and Maurice Cheeks also reached double figures. 4th overall pick John Stockton had 3 points and 6 assists in his debut. Bill Laimbeer (23 points, 14 rebounds) and Cliff Levingston (10 points, 10 rebounds) each had a double-double, while Isiah Thomas (21 points), John Long (20 points), and Vinnie Johnson (17 points) also had decent nights, but it was not enough in the defeat.