USA TODAY International Edition
NBA’s can’t-miss features new faces
The NBA released its regular-season schedule on Monday, so naturally it’s already time to scan the slate and pencil in those must-watch games. There are plenty of revenge matchups, new faces in new places, contenders looking to stay atop the power structure, and upstarts looking to make some noise.
Here are 10 can’t-miss games for the 2019-20 season (times p.m. Eastern): Portland at Golden State, Nov. 4 at 10:30 (NBA TV)
Yes, there will be no Kevin Durant or Klay Thompson, but the rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals still should be fascinating. After Portland had a solid offseason with additions like Pau Gasol and Hassan Whiteside, it could be a good barometer of where the Trail Blazers stand in the West.
Los Angeles Clippers at Houston, Nov. 13 at 7:30 (ESPN)
There were reports of discontent between Paul George and Russell Westbrook while both were in Oklahoma City. They each moved on and are now on legitimate Western Conference contenders. Early in the season, they’ll get to show off their new teams and face off against each other. Things could get feisty.
Brooklyn at Boston, Nov. 27 at 7 (ESPN)
These two teams play twice in three nights, with a rematch coming at Barclays Center on Nov. 29, but this will be
the first time Kyrie Irving returns to Boston to face off against his former team. It’s a shame Durant will be out with his Achilles injury, but Boston’s addition of Kemba Walker adds a little more sizzle to this one.
Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans, Nov. 27 at 9:30 (ESPN)
The end of the Anthony Davis era in New Orleans was tense and many Pelicans fans feel the star big man skipped town without delivering. Add that LeBron James and No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson will also be on the court (and will likely match up against each other), and this already-intriguing game gets even better. Oh, and Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram get to face their old team, too.
Los Angeles Clippers at Toronto,
Dec. 11 at 7 (ESPN)
Kawhi Leonard was a one-and-done in Toronto, but he did deliver a championship. That means his welcome back to #WeTheNorth territory should be friendly. But you can bet Leonard will want to show he made the right decision – and the Raptors will want to show that they’re just fine without him.
Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers, Dec. 25 at 8 (ABC)
These two Pacific Division teams will have already played (they face off on opening night), but the fact that this is a Christmas Day matchup elevates the battle. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Houston at Oklahoma City, Jan. 9 at 9:30 (TNT)
There’s nothing quite like a spicy revenge game, and this one has it multiplied by two. Westbrook returns to OKC for his first game against the Thunder after he was traded to the Rockets, and Chris Paul – the player whom Westbrook replaced – gets to see his old teammates. Add in those reports of tension between Paul and James Harden … just make sure to tune in. Milwaukee at Denver, March 9 at 9 (NBA TV)
This could very well be an NBA Finals preview, and it showcases two of the most versatile and gifted players in the league in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic. These two teams will play only twice, the other in late January. Milwaukee at Philadelphia, April 7 at 7:30 (TNT)
These two teams will have faced off three times in earlier matchups, but both figure to be near the top of the East all season. So with huge seeding implications potentially on the line to kick off the last week of the regular season, this might end up being one of the most important games of the year.
Golden State at Los Angeles Lakers, April 9 at 10:30 (TNT)
After missing out on the playoffs for the first time since 2005, James will be looking to close the season strong. And there’s a chance Thompson will be back from his torn ACL by this point, so this could be one of those late-season games that feels like the playoffs.