Finally, the NBA has released the complete 2011/12 schedule! I hope you’re all prepared to dedicate a little extra time to keeping up with the L, because there are 56 games set to take place during opening week alone–that’s 10 more than last season! This part is old news, but the season will tip off at 12 noon ET on Christmas day. That’s when the Celtics will be in New York to take on the Knicks in a first-round rematch from last season. It’s one of the games I’m most excited about this season, and I’ve also chosen four more. Check them out…
BOS @ NYK, 12/25, Noon ET, TNT: This match up makes my list whether it’s the opening game of a delayed season or not, but that certainly cements it’s spot. Games at the Garden are always fun, and this one’s between a pair of storied division rivals that could be dueling with each other for a top-four playoff spot down the stretch. If this is even half as exciting as a few of the instant classics that the Cs and Knicks were involved in last season then it will be a really good game.
LAC @ GSW, 12/25, 10:30 ET, ESPN: I wanted nothing more than the return of Blake Griffin to my television set this Christmas, and I got it. I feel bad for my extended family… it’ll be impossible to find a gift for me that’ll get me nearly as amped up as the one the NBA has given me. As far as I’m concerned, this Christmas is NBA opening day first and Christmas second.
WAS @ CHI, 1/11, 8:00 ET, LP: I’m very, very excited to see what the 2011/12 season has in store for John Wall; or should I say what John Wall has in store for the 2011/12 season. This early-season contest against defending-MVP Derrick Rose will serve as an opportunity for Wall to show that his name belongs in the elite point guard discussion. I’m very confident that Wall will elevate his play to that level sooner rather than later, and there’s no damn way I miss what could be his coming out party (not that D-Rose is simply going to allow that to happen. I’m saying it could be a clash of the Titans, and if Wall comes out on top you know damn well how people will be talkin’).
LAL @ MIA, 1/19, 8:00 ET, TNT: Will Dwight Howard or Chris Paul (or both?!) be sporting the purple and gold for this one? In all honesty, who the hell knows. No matter what happens the rumors present some exciting scenarios to daydream about, and this match up will remain highly interesting even if there’s no significant player movement involved. Also, this will be the first time Shaquille O’Neal will be asked to analyze a game that features the three best players he ever went to battle with; two of which helped him win his rings. That should be fun.
MEM @ LAC, 1/26, 10:30 ET, TNT: These are the two teams I’m most excited about watching this season. Can Zach Randolph and company build on last season’s incredible playoff run and advance past the second round for the first time in franchise history? Can Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon help this unquestionably-talented-enough Clipper squad reach it’s playoff-caliber potential? I can’t wait to watch the answers to these questions formulate right in front of my very eyes.
Wizards will be sooo much fun to watch this season. Improved Wall (hopefuly) + McGee and Vesely, there will be many dunks and alley oops for highlights…