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Circle these games
The 2018-19 NBA schedule has officially been released, so we'll spend the next two months analyzing every game, making bold predictions and trying to project each team's win total.
But every game isn't created equal. Some are just a little more important than others, so we've decided to pick out each team's most interesting game for the upcoming season. If you're going to pay for a ticket to just one game this season, you should probably make it one of these.
Credit: Graphic illustration by Mike Meredith -
Atlanta Hawks
Opponent: Dallas Mavericks
When: Oct. 24, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA
Why: Let's face it, there's not a lot to look forward to in terms of wins this season for the Hawks, but there's one huge reason to be excited: Trae Young. He and Luka Doncic will forever be linked after being traded for one another on draft day, and this will be the first time we get to see the two of them head-to-head.
Credit: USATSI -
Boston Celtics
Opponent: Golden State Warriors
When: Jan. 26, 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Why: With the return of a healthy Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving, coupled with the departure of LeBron James from the Eastern Conference, the Celtics are a hands-down favorite to make it to the NBA Finals. The Warriors and Celtics played two epic games last season, and we can expect even more intensity this season in a possible Finals preview.
Credit: USATSI -
Brooklyn Nets
Opponent: New York Knicks
When: Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Why: The Nets probably won't be good this season, but they could be better than their crosstown rival for the first time since 2015. The Nets were swept by the Knicks last season, but don't expect that again this time around. Their final matchup next season could lead to the Nets replacing the Knicks as the state's best team.
Credit: USATSI -
Charlotte Hornets
Opponent: Atlanta Hawks
When: Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA
Why: A random February game against the Hawks is the Hornets' most interesting game? It's a bit confusing until you realize this will be Charlotte's first game after the Feb. 7 trade deadline. The team made no significant win-now improvements over the summer, so there's a chance they could be floundering or mired in mediocrity by the trade deadline. If that's the case, they might look to unload Kemba Walker and/or Nicolas Batum and start the full rebuild. We'll see on Feb. 9.
Credit: USATSI -
Chicago Bulls
Opponent: Milwaukee Bucks
When: Nov. 16, 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Why: The Bucks clearly didn't see former No. 2 overall pick Jabari Parker in their future plans, and things got heated in last year's playoffs when Parker publicly complained about a lack of playing time. This will be Parker's first game against his former team, in his former city, so you know he'll want to show the Bucks what they're missing.
Credit: USATSI -
Cleveland Cavaliers
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
When: Nov. 21, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
Why: The new era of Cavs basketball is upon us, and one game on the schedule jumps off the page: The return of the King. LeBron will play his first game in Cleveland as a member of the Lakers, and will likely be met with respect and adoration from the fans. It should be an emotional night.
Credit: USATSI -
Dallas Mavericks
Opponent: Phoenix Suns
When: April 9, 8:30 ET
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Why: Dirk Nowitzki has yet to announce that this will be his final season, but that seems to be the consensus. Dirk has played more games in one uniform than any player in NBA history, and the fans will surely give him a rousing tribute for what could be his final home game.
Credit: USATSI -
Denver Nuggets
Opponent: Minnesota Timberwolves
When: April 10, 9:30 ET
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
Why: Last season, the Timberwolves ripped the hearts out of the Nuggets in Game 82, keeping Denver out of the playoffs with an overtime win. With the way the Western Conference looks this season, we could see the same scenario in the final game of the 2018-19 season for both teams. This time it's in Denver, and the Nuggets could once again need a win to make the postseason.
Credit: USATSI -
Detroit Pistons
Opponent: Los Angeles Clippers
When: Jan. 12, 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Why: Blake Griffin was traded to the Pistons in January, but he has yet to return to Staples Center to play against the Clippers. It will be interesting to see how Griffin plays against the organization that sold him on being the face of the franchise just months before trading him to Detroit.
Credit: USATSI -
Golden State Warriors
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
When: Dec. 25, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
Why: It's glitz. It's glamour. It's everything we love about the NBA. The Warriors will face LeBron James for the fourth straight Christmas Day, but this time he'll lead a Lakers team hoping to re-join the league's elite. Must. Watch. Television.
Credit: USATSI -
Houston Rockets
Opponent: Golden State Warriors
When: March 13, 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Why: The Rockets still have the bitter taste of "what if" swirling in their mouths after being one win away from dethroning the champs last season. The team will look slightly different with Carmelo Anthony and more moves almost certainly on the way, so the game to watch will be their last of the regular season against Golden State, once the roster starts to mesh. It will be a preview of the Western Conference finals matchup most expect to see for the second straight season.
Credit: USATSI -
Indiana Pacers
Opponent: Boston Celtics
When: Nov. 3, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Why: Victor Oladipo is a legitimate star, and the Pacers will come in with much loftier expectations than last season after pushing LeBron James and the Cavs to seven games in the first round of the playoffs. They'll get an early test to see if they can compete with the class of the East in a November matchup with the Celtics.
Credit: USATSI -
Los Angeles Clippers
Opponent: Washington Wizards
When: Oct. 28, 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Why: Well, this is awkward. Doc Rivers gave his son Austin an opportunity, and the younger Rivers made the most of it, turning himself into a productive combo guard. But the Clippers traded Austin away this summer for Marcin Gortat, which means Doc will be coaching against his son for the first time since 2015. You better believe Austin's going to come out with some fire.
Credit: USATSI -
Los Angeles Lakers
Opponent: Boston Celtics
When: Feb. 7, 8 p.m. ET
Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Why: Sure, the Christmas game against the Warriors will be huge, but LeBron won't be fully entrenched in Lakers lore until he meets their bitter rival. The Celtics have emerged as one of the best young teams in the NBA, and James will see firsthand the passionate vitriol the Lakers confront when walking onto the Garden's parquet floor. Plus, adding the LeBron-Kyrie dynamic to the Lakers-Celtics rivalry is just too good to be true.
Credit: Twitter/@Lakers -
Memphis Grizzlies
Opponent: Indiana Pacers
When: Oct. 17, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Why: Basically, we have no idea what this Grizzlies team is capable of until we see them, so the most interesting game is opening night. They were awful last season, but this year they'll be getting a (hopefully) healthy Mike Conley back to go along with Marc Gasol, promising rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. and a host of new veterans like Kyle Anderson and Garrett Temple. And who knows if Chandler Parsons might be able to actually contribute one of these days? The point is, we need to see this team in action before we pass judgment.
Credit: USATSI -
Miami Heat
Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers
When: Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL
Why: The Heat were the only team in the league that didn't bring in any new players, so they'll run back pretty much the same roster as last season (they're still waiting on Dwyane Wade's decision). The Heat were run out of the gym by the Sixers in the first round of last season's playoffs, so they'll have a chance early on to prove that this season is different.
Credit: USATSI -
Milwaukee Bucks
Opponent: New York Knicks
When: Dec. 25, 12 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Why: The Bucks haven't played on Christmas Day since 1977, so this is a big deal. Led by new coach Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee could take a big leap forward behind superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo this season, and the league has rewarded the Bucks with a game at MSG to kick off the NBA's premier showcase.
Credit: USATSI -
Minnesota Timberwolves
Opponent: Denver Nuggets
When: April 10, 9:30 ET
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
Why: Last season, the Timberwolves ripped the hearts out of the Nuggets in Game 82, keeping Denver out of the playoffs with an overtime win. With the way the Western Conference looks this season, we could see the same scenario in the final game of the 2018-19 season for both teams. This time it's in Denver, and the Wolves could once again need a win to make the postseason.
Credit: USATSI -
New Orleans Pelicans
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
When: Dec. 21, 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Why: Without DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis is poised for an MVP run as the unquestioned focal point of the up-tempo Pelicans attack and shot-blocking linchpin of the defense. There's no better way to test your MVP mettle than against perennial MVP contender LeBron James. Davis will get to showcase his skills against the King on national TV in December.
Credit: USATSI -
New York Knicks
Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
When: March 17, 12 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Why: There's not a lot to look forward to as a Knicks fan this season, but LeBron always puts on a show when he comes to MSG. Hopefully Kristaps Porzingis will be back to full strength after recovering from an ACL tear, so we can watch him take on the King while we sip green beer during the St. Patrick's Day matinee. Knicks fans will probably need it.
Credit: USATSI -
Oklahoma City Thunder
Opponent: Houston Rockets
When: Nov. 8, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
Why: Melo's gone. Paul George is locked up. All is right in OKC. With a year of chemistry under their belt, George, Russell Westbrook and the Thunder will look to join the upper echelon of Western Conference contenders, and they'll have an early test against the Rockets. Not to mention this is the first time the Thunder will play against Carmelo Anthony as a member of the Rockets.
Credit: USATSI -
Orlando Magic
Opponent: Chicago Bulls
When: Dec. 13, 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: Arena Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico City
Why: The Magic have failed to crack the 30-win mark in five of the last six seasons, so success is relative. They just want to see progress and chemistry from their young players like Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba, and they'll get to test themselves against another rebuilding franchise in Mexico City.
Credit: USATSI -
Philadelphia 76ers
Opponent: Toronto Raptors
When: Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Why: After last season, expectations are higher than ever for The Process. While most consider Boston the favorite in the East, the No. 2 spot is up for grabs, and the Sixers will get to see how they stack up against Kawhi Leonard and the new-look Raptors the night before Halloween.
Credit: USATSI -
Phoenix Suns
Opponent: Dallas Mavericks
When: Oct. 17, 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ
Why: The Suns aren't on national TV very often, so you have to savor this early-season showcase between two teams hoping to regain relevance. We'll have No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton against No. 3 overall pick Luka Doncic, plus we get to see if Devin Booker is ready to make the leap to superstar status. Everybody's undefeated to start the season, so no better time to tune in to the Suns.
Credit: USATSI -
Portland Trail Blazers
Opponent: Golden State Warriors
When: Dec. 27, 10 p.m. ET
Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR
Why: You never know what's real and what's fake in the NBA, but it certainly appears that CJ McCollum and Kevin Durant started a feud this summer that could carry onto the court. The Portland fans will be raucous as the Warriors enter Moda Center for the first time in a post-Christmas matchup.
Credit: USATSI -
Sacramento Kings
Opponent: Dallas Mavericks
When: Dec. 16, 7 p.m. ET
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Why: The Kings have been waiting for a legit franchise player for years, and they got their best shot by securing the No. 2 pick in June's draft. While many considered Luka Doncic one of the top two prospects, if not the top, they instead chose Marvin Bagley III. We'll get to see the two go head-to-head -- and make our first judgment about whether the Kings made a colossal mistake -- in December.
Credit: USATSI -
San Antonio Spurs
Opponent: Toronto Raptors
When: Jan. 3, 8 p.m. ET
Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
Why: Well, this was an easy one. The Spurs will reserve a special kind of venom for Kawhi Leonard's first return to San Antonio as a member of the Toronto Raptors. And if Leonard is healthy, it should be a great game as well.
Credit: USATSI -
Toronto Raptors
Opponent: San Antonio Spurs
When: Feb. 22, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Why: This will be a bittersweet trip north of the border for DeMar DeRozan, who felt betrayed by the way the Raptors unloaded him for Kawhi Leonard. The fans will show him nothing but love, but DeRozan might play with a little extra chip on his shoulder.
Credit: USATSI -
Utah Jazz
Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder
When: Dec. 22, 9 p.m. ET
Where: Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
Why: The Jazz play the Blazers on Christmas, but the more interesting matchup comes a few days earlier. Utah eliminated the Thunder in last year's playoffs after a hard-fought series, and two of the league's top defensive teams (and division rivals, if you care about that sort of thing) will no doubt go after each other. Besides, Russell Westbrook vs. Donovan Mitchell is always must-watch entertainment.
Credit: USATSI -
Washington Wizards
Opponent: Boston Celtics
When: March 1, 8 p.m. ET
Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Why: What the Wizards have lacked in performance, they make up for in confidence. The Wiz still consider themselves Boston's rival, and there's no better time to prove it than during a nationally televised game in March. It should be a good barometer to see whether Washington can be a legitimate contender in the East.
Credit: USATSI
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