NBA Schedule 2013-14: Ranking Most Drama-Filled Matchups

The schedule for the 2013-14 season is ripe with matchups that are dripping with drama.

After a tumultuous offseason sent multiple big names to new locations, there are backstories that will give certain matchups a playoff atmosphere. And in the long NBA season, any matchup that cranks up the intensity to playoff level is worth checking out.

Feel free to view the full schedule at NBA.com, and also the three matchups I determined will pack the most drama. 

No. 3: Derrick Rose's Regular Season Return, Oct. 29 at Miami Heat

Derrick Rose will still be a member of the same team, but he will also be changing locations. That would come in the form of him being on the court after a season of being relegated to the bench. 

Rose was relegated to the bench last season while recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee. It was a commonly held belief that he would be able to return last season, but it just never happened. 

Rose was medically cleared to play during the season, but he didn't feel fit to return to the court. This came to the chagrin of many fans. 

Well, the long-awaited return of the 2010-11 NBA MVP should be delayed no longer. As the Associated Press notes, Rose is on track to be ready for the coming season. 

All eyes will be on Rose to see if he returns with the same explosiveness that made him one of the most dangerous point guards the NBA has ever seen, and he will be doing so against LeBron James and the Miami Heat after their ring ceremony. 

Now this is how you start a season. 

No. 2: Dwight Howard's Return to LA to Face the Lakers, Feb. 19 

Another offseason has left us worn out from tireless speculation over Dwight Howard's future. 

After joining the Lakers prior to last offseason, it was commonly thought that the elite center would ink a longterm deal with his new club. However, nothing went according to plan for the Lakers last year. 

The Lakers wildly underwhelmed on the court, but produced more than enough off the court. There were ample signs pointing towards a growing discord between Howard and Kobe Bryant. There were also reports that Howard wasn't pleased with head coach Mike D'Antoni. 

So, Howard decided to turn down more money with the Lakers to sign with the Houston Rockets. Howard didn't mention any of these backstories upon his departure. Instead, he offered up that the Rockets gave him a better shot at winning a title.  

You better believe the Lakers and their fans are itching to prove him wrong. 

No. 1: Doc Rivers' Return to Boston, Dec. 11 Clippers at Celtics

After nine seasons and an NBA title in Boston, Doc Rivers decided to move to less-green pastures. And there is a strong chance he's alienated many Boston fans who once adored him in the process. 

Celtics fans seem to be noticing when they will get a chance to greet him: 

Count ESPN's and Celtics super-fan Bill Simmons as one who feels a little disenchanted. 

Meanwhile, Rivers was adamant in denying he forced his way out of Boston. 

While we are unlikely to ever get the whole truth on what transpired during Rivers' departure, we will get an answer as to how Celtics fans feel about it when Rivers brings the Clippers into town on Dec. 11.