 | Dirk Nowitzki won't have to wait too long into the regular season for another shot at Baron Davis and the Warriors. AP |
NBA fans anxious to start planning their fall and winter hoops TV viewing can finally get out their calendars. The NBA released its 2007-08 schedule on Thursday, and there is no shortage of compelling matchups. Here is our early list (in chronological order) of 10 games you won't want to miss:
Oct. 30: Blazers at Spurs
The NBA's future meets the present as No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden makes his debut against Tim Duncan and the defending champs. Blazers fans can only hope it's the first of several ring-night ceremonies for Oden in his career, even if he will be just a spectator for this one.
Nov. 2: Wizards at Celtics
Boston fans will have to wait four days to get their first look at Kevin Garnett in a Celtics uniform, but it will surely be worth it. Meanwhile, the Wizards' own All-Star trio of Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison will be primed to spoil the fun.
Nov. 8: Mavs at Warriors
Think Dirk Nowitzki & Co. don't have this one circled on their calendars? After what had to be an agonizing offseason, Dallas can't wait for another shot at the team that derailed its title quest a year ago in one of the biggest playoff upsets in history.
Nov. 24: Heat at Magic
New Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy gets his first chance to match X's and O's with former boss Pat Riley, who appeared to push him out as Heat coach two years ago. It will also be a good chance to see if new Magic star Rashard Lewis can make this a real Florida rivalry.
Dec. 17: Suns at Spurs
It's the first matchup between these two Western Conference heavyweights since the Spurs' Game 6 clincher in last season's conference semifinals. The Suns still think Robert Horry's cheap-shot foul cost them a shot at the title, so they no doubt will be out for revenge.
Dec. 25: Sonics at Blazers
On Christmas night the NBA unwraps its gift to two forlorn Pacific Northwest franchises as top rookies Kevin Durant and Oden square off for the first time. It might not mean much in the standings, but it could affect the Rookie of the Year race.
Jan. 17: Cavs at Spurs
The 2006-07 finalists clash for the first time since the four-game sweep by the Spurs. It should be fun to see if LeBron James and the Cavs have narrowed the gap at all, though Cleveland won both regular-season meetings a year ago and it sure didn't matter.
Feb. 8: Celtics at Timberwolves
Garnett goes back to the city where he spent his first 12 seasons and became the face of the franchise. It is sure to be an emotional night for KG, who figures to get a reception warm enough to thaw the ice on Lake Minnetonka.
March 19: Nuggets at Sixers
Allen Iverson returns to Philadelphia for the first time since his blockbuster trade to Denver last winter. Like KG, the Answer will no doubt get showered with love -- even from the usually crusty Philly crowd.
April 13: Warriors at Sonics
It could be the final game for the Sonics in Seattle, if the team relocates for the 2008-09 season as widely expected. If so, it will be a sad occasion as fans recall the memories of Downtown Brown, Wilkens, DJ, the Glove, the Reign Man and other Sonics greats one last time.
