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CNNSI.com's Jennifer Cooper takes a look at 10 road games to mark on your calendar as Michael Jordan hits the road with Wizards this season.
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Oct. 30 at New York, 7:30 pm ET
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Spike Lee
Jamie Squire/Allsport |
Jordan's always saved a little something special for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and there's no better stage than opening night. Latrell Sprewell could give Spike Lee something to shout about by giving MJ his first reality check. Of course, Michael might move back to two-guard and show how quickly he can still get to the basket - at least against slow-footed defenders like Allan Houston.
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Nov. 7 at Boston, 7:00 pm ET
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Paul Pierce
Ezra O. Shaw/Allsport |
When Jordan thinks of a Celtic worthy of NBA Player of the Month honors, the name that most likely pops into his head is Larry Bird. But that'll change early in the season when he and the Wizards travel to Boston. Paul Pierce, the first Celtic to earn the award since Larry Legend, will be eager to show MJ how ball is played in Beantown these days.
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Nov. 28 at Philadelphia, 8:00 pm ET
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Allen Iverson
Ezra O. Shaw/Allsport |
Jordan doesn't have to wait long to measure his young charges against last season's Beast of the East -- or himself against the reigning MVP -- as this is already the Wizards' second game against the Sixers. Allen Iverson and his game -- as well as his position -- have changed considerably since Jordan last took the court against the Sixers. Now the battles between His Airness and The Answer are some of the most anticipated of the season.
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Dec. 8 at Dallas, 8:30 pm ET
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Dirk Nowitzki
Ronald Martinez/Allsport |
So you want to play small forward, Mike? Allow us to introduce you to the man you'll be matched up against in Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki. He's 6-foot-11, 237 pounds and has a killer jumper from downtown. Maybe you'll switch off and take the two-guard tonight? That would be All-Star Michael Finley, who's grown up a bit since you played one-on-one with him when he was a high school senior in 1991.
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Dec. 16 at Toronto, 3:00 pm ET
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Vince Carter
M. David Leeds/Allsport |
Speaking of small forwards, Vince Carter is something of a namesake. And while a Tar Heel should show an elder alum some respect, "Air Canada" might be more than happy to fill Jordan in on how he earned the nickname. Unless, of course, those inevitable pregame butterflies stick around to watch the game.
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Dec. 21 at Orlando, 7:30 pm ET
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Tracy McGrady
Andy Lyons/Allsport |
Five days later, cousin Tracy McGrady isn't likely to have any jitters about facing the Greatest Ever. The 21-year-old came into his own last season, leading his overachieving Magic to the postseason, and probably relishes the chance to show Jordan his game. Even though Grant Hill may be Jordan's matchup on the floor, all eyes will be on the potential shootout between No. 23 and No. 1.
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Jan. 19 at Chicago, 9:00 pm ET
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United Center
Jonthan Daniel/Allsport |
The living legend returns to show the Jerrys firsthand what a huge mistake they made three years ago. With two days off and no one on the Chicago roster who can test Michael, Jerry Krause should be in for one of the most hellish nights of his career. And in case Krause forgot why that statue was built in front of the United Center, MJ will give him a more than subtle reminder. What's Michael's single-game career high again?
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Feb. 12 at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 pm ET
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Phil Jackson AP |
The NBA returns from the All-Star break and Michael visits the Staples Center and his mentor, Phil Jackson. With Shaq's dominating presence in the paint, this game will be a test of Michael's ability to hit over the zone defense. Of course, with Kobe Bryant probably drawing the defensive assignment, it also will be a test of Michael's ability to create his shot. Will Michael go to Phil for advice out of habit?
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Feb. 15 at Phoenix, 9:00 pm ET
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Shawn Marion
Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport |
Neither Shawn Marion -- nor his nickname -- were around when Jordan last played in Phoenix. (Marion and The Matrix both entered the picture in 1999, the year after MJ retired the last time.) But if new teammate Stephon Marbury can get him the ball the way Jason Kidd could, the Suns forward could put on a display Jordan won't soon forget.
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Mar. 16 at Portland, 10:00 pm ET
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Scottie Pippen
Otto Greule Jr./Allsport |
Scottie Pippen has admitted he takes nights off during the regular season, but he'll show up for this one. Although it won't be their first meeting, it will be the first on Scottie's turf. And while Portland is a difficult place to play under normal circumstances, this game will be Washington's third in four nights. This late in the season, that could be an extreme test of Michael's endurance.
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