Cleveland Cavaliers 2011-12 Season Begins Against the Boston Celtics, Then Miami

The Cleveland Cavaliers announced their 2011-12 schedule today which is set to begin on Wednesday, Nov. 2 with the Cavs facing the Celtics in Boston.

This is the fourth year in a row that Cleveland will open their season against the Celtics. The Cavs unfortunately begin their season on the road in Boston, but will play their next game against the Toronto Raptors in Cleveland two days later.

Needless to say, Cavs fans will be anxious to see the team's two newest members Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson. The players were two of the top four picks Cleveland chose in this year's NBA draft.

Today's announcement was made as the NBA lockout entered its 20th day. So, it's a little difficult to get excited about the season, let alone specific games.

That being said, there will be some key games of interest.

For example, the November 19 game against LeBron James and the Miami Heat will take place in Cleveland. That game will certainly have all the seats filled, though it will probably not have the same level of drama as last year's first meeting. The Heat will also play in Cleveland on March 17.

Speaking of Miami, the world champion Dallas Mavericks will make only one visit to Cleveland this year on February 4.

The final game of the regular season will see Cleveland hosting the New York Knicks on Wednesday, April 18.

The national television coverage for the Cavaliers is limited this year. ESPN will broadcast the November 19 game when Miami visits Cleveland. Apparently, ESPN believes there will be significant interest in this particular game.

NBA TV will broadcast three Cavalier games. The first will be against Denver on Nov. 7, then the Cavs at Philadelphia on Dec. 5 and Cleveland at Chicago on March 16.

Local and regional Cavalier fans need not worry about missing a game. The Cavaliers Radio Network will broadcast games on WTAM 1100 AM and Fox Sports Ohio will televise games and will release their official schedule soon.

Let's all hope there will be a season and one with a full schedule.