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The full NBA schedule was released mid-way through August, hope you’ve had time to check the opening night schedule, the Christmas day schedule and other rivalry, debuts and return match ups.
Before we look at the key matchups, it’s worth noting that the league has tried to reduce the wear and tear on the players. There’s the absence of four games in five nights and the reduction of back to back games per team. No team has more than 16 back to backs and no team has fewer than 13 (last year the range was 14 to 18).
But whether your favorite NBA team is taking on division rivals, grudge matches or racking up the air miles with trips to inter-conference rivals, keep track of all the latest five key matchup dates announced as we guide you through the NBA season schedule here.
February 9th: Homecoming to Windy City
Jimmy Butler, Tom Thibodeau, and Taj Gibson all return to Chicago as a trio in the visiting locker room. The Bulls previously sacked Tom Thibodeau, traded Taj Gibson and in this off-season, traded Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves reuniting him with the coach that drafted him. With their rebuilding plan in play, they’ll be considerably weaker than the Timberwolves who’ll be looking to leave their mark in Chicago.
It'll be a confusing affair for the fans since the players mentioned above never requested to be traded. It was a decision made by the front office (they sacked Thibs after making constant appearances to the Eastern Conference playoffs without the franchise player, Derrick Rose). I fail to understand some decisions.
Other Notable Games:
Nov. 22: Kevin Durant returns to Oklahoma City
Dec. 13: Paul George’s return to Indiana
March 28: Gordon Hayward’s return to Utah
November 15th: Battle of the Rookies
Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers | Nov. 16, 8:00 AM IST
This will be the first Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons vs. Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma match-up. With the rookies looking to live up to the hype as top prospects of their respective draft classes, fans will be eager to see what they have to bring to the league. They’ll be keen to impress as they push each other to the limit.
Ben Simmons watched from the sidelines as last seasons unfolded due to a season-ending injury he suffered during the Las Vegas Summer League. He has shown flashes of an elite playmaker in the preseason games, raising the hopes of the fans in Philadelphia. He still qualifies as a rookie having not played a single regular season game.
Kyle Kuzma, a possible steal of the draft has earned his stripes as a player capable of winning the Rookie of the year honors. This match promises spectacular action as the rookies look to gain control of their respective franchises.
NBA Christmas:
Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors | Dec. 26, 1: 30 a.m E.T.
With the Cavs assembling a more solid roster (at least on paper) and looking to revenge the 2016-2017 finals mismatch, rivalry showdowns don’t get bigger than this.
Washington Wizards at Boston Celtics | Dec. 26, 4:00 a.m. E.T.
What we witnessed in last year’s Eastern Conference semi-finals suggests a bitter rivalry in the making. New additions to the Celtics’ roster ensure the continuity of bad blood and a very entertaining game with John Wall challenging Kyrie Irving for best point guard in the East.
Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder | Dec. 26, 6:30 a.m. E.T.
A battle for the 2nd best team in the west comes in the form of a duel between the reigning regular season MVP and the runner-up. With revamped superstar squads, this game promises buckets, lots of buckets, and very exciting plays coming from the top players in the league.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers | Dec. 26, 9:00 a.m. E.T.
A showdown between two reinforced young teams with fledgling superstars trying to make their make in the very strong Western Conference. Karl Anthony Towns will be looking to have a breakout season while the much-hyped rookie, Lonzo Ball will be trying to fit in the shoes his father Lavar Ball has designed for him.
January 15th (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Houston Rockets at LA Clippers | Jan. 16, 9:00 a.m IST
Chris Paul’s return to Los Angeles will be interesting keeping in mind the Rockets and the Clippers are genuine rivals. It’s bad to quit a team that heavily relied on you, it’s worse to leave them for a direct rival. Either way, a pecking order must be established. Given that his former teammates criticized his leadership after he left, Paul will be looking to dominate the Clippers in a Rockets uniform
Golden State Warriors at Cleveland Cavaliers | Jan. 16, 6:30 a.m IST
The Warriors travel to Cleveland for the return leg. Despite what conspires in the first meeting, there’s no underestimating the intensity of this match-up. The battle for supremacy between these two strong sides will always be tested beyond the NBA finals. the Cleveland Cavaliers will be eager to defend the land at all costs in their last regular season showdown against the defending Champions.
Opening Night
Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers | Oct. 18, 5:30 AM IST
Kyrie Irving will be returning to Cleveland on what would be far from a homecoming party. The unceremonious way in which he departed the one-time champions, and the team that drafted him, will be matched by a very acrimonious crowd. With both teams looking to establish the balance of power early in the season. This has the promise to be a very exciting match.
Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors | Oct. 18, 8:00 a.m. E.T.
The best two teams in the west meet in a case of fighting fire with fire. High-octane offense of the Warriors will meet an improved high-octane offense of the Rockets. Both teams will look to establish the dominance as early as possible.
Guess the Lakers players!
