NBA Schedule 2012-13: Analyzing Most Enticing Early-Season Showdowns
The 2012-13 NBA schedule has been released, and fans are already drooling over some tasty matchups that are set to come our way by the end of October.
LeBron James finally has his crown and will show it off on opening night against a bitter Boston Celtics squad looking to send both he and Ray Allen a message about loyalty.
Right after that, the Lakers will take on the Mavericks in a matchup of aging Western Conference powers, epitomized by 38-year-old Steve Nash in a Lakers uniform for the first time.
Two days after those two colossal showdowns, the Nets and Knicks will face off in a unique crosstown matchup of wannabe contenders.
Let's break it down.
October 30: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
Although the season will officially be opened by the Wizards and Cavaliers in Cleveland at 7 p.m. ET on October 30, the season won't actually begin until the defending world champion Miami Heat open up their title defense one hour later against the rival Boston Celtics. As is tradition the Heat will host a tough opponent in their opener, this time with an opportunity to celebrate last season's achievement in front of the fans before the start of the game.
This truly is a can't-miss matchup, though. Both teams went at each other's throats in the Eastern Conference finals last June, with the Heat delivering the knockout punch to the Celtics' NBA Finals hopes. Boston has since retooled and will no doubt make a serious run in the East this upcoming season. The Celtics brought back Kevin Garnett, acquired Courtney Lee from the Houston Rockets and signed Jason Terry to fill the void left by Ray Allen.
What makes this rivalry matchup even more unmissable, though, is the fact that Allen left town for, where else, Miami. The veteran sharpshooter won't have to fear being booed on opening night considering the game is in Miami, but the reaction between Allen and the Boston players will be something to watch for. This game has it all on opening night, and it starts at 8 p.m. on the East Coast.
October 30: Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
If you're a Phoenix Suns diehard like I am, then you are likely dreading this matchup. That's right, hell has officially frozen over. Steve Nash is a Laker folks. Nash will square off with his old buddy Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks in the nightcap on opening night. In a matchup of two recent NBA champions, there will be plenty of star power for casual fans to check out, not to mention a unique dynamic in the LA backcourt that will likely dominate the commentary.
Unless something incredible happens this summer and the Lakers acquire Dwight Howard, the infusion of Nash into LA's system will be the focus throughout the 48 minutes. Nash averaged 10.7 assists per game last season with a rundown Phoenix Suns roster and can still shoot the ball at an elite level. His presence in the pick-and-roll will be key for the Lakers if they are to get off to a hot start.
For Dirk, an offseason that promised to bring back championships aspirations failed to live up, as Dallas missed on Deron Williams early on in free agency and then Nash shortly after. With Jason Terry gone to Boston, Nowitzki must find a way to rally his squad in hopes of achieving a much less embarrassing postseason exit in 2012-13. The Mavs' run begins against the Lakers at 10:30 p.m. ET on opening night.
November 1: New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets
The NBA's new version of Jets vs. Giants tips off on November 1 at the brand new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where the Knicks and Nets will battle it out to see which team is the best the Big Apple has to offer. Although it would have been the Knicks running away last season, the solid moves the Nets have made this offseason make them a playoff-caliber team in 2012-13. The re-signing of Deron Williams ensures that they have the elite point guard necessary to win a title, and the acquisition of Joe Johnson gives them a No. 2 superstar and No. 1 scoring option in the backcourt.
For New York, the hot air balloon that was Linsanity has since deflated with Jeremy Lin's move to Houston this summer, leaving the Knicks with a bunch of mediocre guards left to lead them to the promised land. The dynamic of Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony is still a concern that has not yet been addressed, but we will know soon enough if that duo can really coexist with such a limited supporting cast.
Fans should also be watching for the crowd reaction in Brooklyn. Will there be an arena full of Nets fans, or will the Barclays Center be overrun by Knicks supporters? This can either be a great moment in the history of the Nets franchise or one of the most embarrassing situations in sports.
Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more reaction on the 2012-13 NBA Schedule.
