2021-22 NBA Season: Top 5 team rivalries to watch out for

#3 Brooklyn Nets vs LA Lakers

Kevin Durant drives to the bucket against Lakers forward, Markieff Morris

In what looks like a superteam matchup, the Nets vs Lakers matchup sees a lot of former teammates going head to head against one another.

The LA Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook in a trade from the Washington Wizards. In doing so, the Lakers vs Nets match looks like a reunion for teammates. LeBron James faces Kyrie Irving, a former championship teammate in Cleveland. Westbrook faces off against Kevin Durant and James Harden.

Both franchises have a score to settle having split the season record. With all the makings of a rivalry, the intensity that Westbrook brings to every game is bound to create some heated competition between the star-studded franchises.

With both teams having the best odds to win the NBA title in the 2021-2022 season, the Christmas Day matchup will be an exciting show for all basketball fans.

Brooklyn Nets & Lakers are set to play on Christmas Day! 🎅🏾🎄 pic.twitter.com/fGmQQyC9pq

— Mixtape Trappers (@MixtapeTrappers) August 17, 2021

#4 Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks

A scuffle breaks out at half-time between New York and Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks have the potential to be among the more recent but intense rivalries in the NBA.

Coming off of a deep run in the playoffs, the Hawks went through some tough series against New York and Philadelphia. However, it was in New York where Trae Young and his antics caught the attention of the fans at Madison Square Garden.

Putting up a game-winner at the buzzer, Trae Young silenced New York's fans. The trash talk continued from both sides as Young's personality and game took the Knicks head on. The Hawks would emerge victorious in five games and go on to play Philadelphia.

There is no doubt that Knicks fans are going to remember Young and the Hawks for the way they beat them. With the Knicks bolstering their lineup with Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier, New York hopes to return the favor to Atlanta.

In an NBA Christmas Day matchup that promises to deliver, the Hawks face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden once again.

#5 Dallas Mavericks vs LA Clippers

Luka Doncic double teamed by the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and Marcus Morris Sr.

The Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers are also a more recent rivalry in the NBA. Originating in the NBA Bubble, the first round matchup saw the LA Clippers face off against the Dallas Mavericks.

With the Clippers leading the series 2-1 going into game four, Luka Doncic produced a moment of magic in the final seconds. Scoring a game-winning, buzzer-beater, Doncic tied the series and gave the Mavericks a genuine shot at winning the series.

As the series progressed, an injury sidelined Doncic and led to the Clippers to a series win in six games.

In the 2020-2021 season, Luka and the Mavericks would have their shot at beating the Clippers in the playoffs again.

Luka put on an offensive onslaught as he averaged 35.7 points, 10.3 assists and 7.9 rebounds in the series. Even after taking a commanding lead by winning the first two games at Staples Center, Dallas lost to LA in seven games.

With two failed attempts at redemption and growing agony for Doncic's record against the Clippers, the matchups between these two teams prove to be an exciting watch for any NBA fan.