NBA releases 2014-15 schedule
With the NBA releasing the 2014-2015 season schedule, all the rumors can now be confirmed. There are plenty of intriguing matchups throughout the season including opening night, and Christmas Day games. Commissioner Adam Silver has also said that the NBA will experiment with a longer All-Star break (a full week off) to allow the busy players (LeBron James & Co) to actually get some rest and family time. I can't answer for anyone else but, the release of the schedule has only increased my appetite for the season to begin. With lots of players changing team, and the league scheduling some good matchups, the season should be as exciting and anticipated as ever. Let's take a look at some of the games that NBA-DRAFT.com staff and the fans are hungry to see on national television (mostly ESPN & TNT).
Opening night features three games of action, but we will focus on the two games that will be televised on TNT:
Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs, the defending NBA Champions, the team that sent LeBron back to Cleveland, will have their ring ceremony.
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Who doesn't want to see Kobe Bryant return from injury?
On the second day of the season when almost the rest of the other teams play their first game, ESPN will feature the game everyone will be talking about:
Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks
Derrick Rose will return to the revamped Bulls roster for the first time since being lost for the season for the second year in a row due to a knee injury. Also, Carmelo Anthony will suit up against the team that could have taken him to his first championship.
Day three of the young season may prove to have the game with the most hype. TNT will host the game even non basketball fans will tune into for.
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James returns to Cleveland…enough said….But I will say more…Melo may wish he went to play for the Bulls after starting the season 0-2 against the Eastern Conference.
Day Four (Halloween) includes a battle of possibly the two best teams in the Eastern Conference which will be aired on ESPN
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls
This will be the first of four Heavyweight battles between two of the top teams in the Eastern conference.
Tuesday, November 11
Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Rockets and Wolves will meet in Mexico City. Last year's game in Mexico City between the Spurs and Wolves was canceled due to a fire in the arena.
Thursday, November 13
Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors
This game will be the first Raptors scheduled game nationally televised since 2008(they made it once in 2013 as a late fill-in game). The Raptors will have 4 games nationally televised this season.
Thursday, December 11
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
This is the first game between LeBron James and Kevin Durant this season.
Christmas Day - Thursday, December 25
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat
LeBron Returns to Miami
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Defending NBA Champions take on Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the Thunder.
Golden State Warriors vs. L.A. Clippers
Stephen Curry will lead his warriors into battle against Blake Griffin and the Clippers in a battle of two of the top California teams.
By Steven Spector - 8-14-14
