NBA Schedule 2011-12: 50 Must-Watch Games This Season

The 2011-12 NBA schedule features the top teams around the league playing in an unbelievable amount of games in front of audiences across the nation.

While some will be excited to see big-market clubs, there should be just as much excitement surrounding some of the smaller markets who boast young and promising rosters heading into this season.

It's going to be a crazy year, with 66 games on the schedule for each team in a shorter window than usual and thus action flowing on every night. And it can't start soon enough.

Phoenix at Orlando

Date: March 21

This will be the day when Marcin Gortat returns to the Magic and shows Orlando that the team shouldn't have decided to trade him.

Assuming Orlando has traded Dwight Howard (since the deadline will have passed by the time this game is played), the Suns have a very real chance to embarrass the Magic and make an emphatic statement on Gortat’s behalf.

Phoenix at Los Angeles Lakers

Date: Jan 10

Any game involving the Lakers could very well present itself as must-see TV depending upon the moves the club makes this year, but Los Angeles always seems to do serious battle with Phoenix.

The Suns are a run-and-gun team and that isn’t the style of play that the Lakers like to play, and the Lakers have a bounty of action at the early onset of the season.

Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento

Date: Dec 26

Remember the days of the heated postseason matchups between the Lakers and Kings? They’re not back yet, but the Kings are undoubtedly a team on the rise.

With youngsters like DeMarcus Cousins and J.J. Hickson beneath the basket and Tyreke Evans and Jimmer Fredette at guard, the Kings will be looking to use youth to their advantage and run circles around the Lakers.

Phoenix at Dallas

Date: Jan 4

Jason Kidd vs. Steve Nash in a battle of where it all began for each point guard, and this matchup has the potential to be a serious upset in favor of the Suns.

Phoenix plays at a pace that Dallas may not be able to keep up with, and the Mavericks may not be as good as some are expecting following a title run.

Phoenix at Oklahoma City

Date: Dec 31

In a battle of old vs. new school, Steve Nash and Russell Westbrook battle it out at the point guard position as each looks to play a defining role for his team this season.

With the Suns’ ability to stretch the floor and allow Marcin Gortat to work down low against Kendrick Perkins, it will be fun watching Serge Ibaka run around with Channing Frye.

Detroit at Boston

Date: Dec 30

The Celtics’ home opener is one that will have just about everybody in Boston excited for the season, as it’s likely the final season of Garnett, Allen and Pierce playing together.

This could very well be a lopsided affair, but the energy in the building will be unrelenting throughout all 48 minutes.

Phoenix at Miami

Date: March 20

There’s illogical hope among some Heat fans that Steve Nash would like to join the fold, but that’s not going to happen, so at least this game presents an opportunity for them to see him play.

Will Nash and Gortat be able to run the pick-and-roll to perfection, or will their execution be outdone by the LBJ-Wade connection?

Boston at Washington

Date: Jan 1

John Wall is going to turn a lot of heads this year as he establishes himself as a premier point guard in the league, and that’s going to come at Rondo’s expense on New Year’s Day.

What’s a better way to ring in 2012 than with some exciting basketball between one club looking to improve and another searching to soar up the standings?

Chicago at Boston

Date: Jan 13

These two teams better get familiar with one another, as they’ll be duking it out for position all season long atop the Eastern Conference.

A young and improving Bulls team looks to run past a veteran-oriented Boston bunch, but there’s something to be said for chemistry in a shortened season in a big way.

Los Angeles at Boston

Date: Feb 9

There’s just nothing better than this rivalry for all of the history it encompasses, and it never gets old seeing the Celtics and Lakers play one another.

The intensity on the court with Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett refusing to back down is just something that can’t be matched with others.

Los Angeles at Orlando

Date: Jan 20

Can you imagine if the Lakers and Magic concoct a deal for Dwight Howard prior to the two teams tipping off in Orlando?

The plot to this one basically writes itself, and it would be absolutely amazing to see what type of reaction Howard would receive in a Lakers uniform.

Chicago at Miami

Date: Jan 29

Derrick Rose gets his chance at redemption against LeBron James, who absolutely shut him down when the two teams went at it in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Bulls have the personnel to shut down Miami defensively, and there’s no question Rose and the rest of the Chicago roster feel motivated after a disappointing ending previously.

Boston at Miami

Date: Dec 27

The Celtics will have to go directly through Miami in any season that the team is hopeful of making a title run, and Boston still doesn’t have an answer on defense for LeBron James.

The Heat will be on a mission to prove that they’re still the team to be feared going forward, and the Celtics will have a lot of work to do if they want to accomplish that.

Los Angeles Lakers at Miami

Date: Jan 19

This is what everybody wants to see, but most importantly, this is a matchup the league wants to see at every moment possible.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant (and more?) on the same court equates to serious interest in the NBA around the world.

Miami at Oklahoma City

Date: March 25

Not many people are seriously giving consideration to the Thunder for the championship, but there is real reason to believe in this group this season.

Durant, Westbrook and Harden have a real chance to outshine James, Wade and Bosh when these two teams go at it, and with one team boasting serious depth, that may very well play a huge role in determining the outcome.

Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State

Date: Dec 25

Two extraordinarily young teams go up against one another, and the show of athleticism between Blake Griffin, Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis and Eric Gordon will be oozing with intrigue.

We haven’t seen a Griffin dunk in too long, and we definitely need to see how the Warriors adjust in the first season under Mark Jackson.

Miami at Los Angeles Lakers

Date: March 4

The first matchup between the Lakers and Heat is in South Beach, but now the Heat will take their talent to Hollywood to try and win on the road.

How will the Lakers’ roster look by this time? Will the team have another superstar name in the fold in order to combat what Miami has presented? There are plenty of juicy storylines to monitor here.

Boston at New York

Date: Dec 25

Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire will look to take down Boston’s “Big Three” as the Celtics look to put together one final championship run with the current core.

It’ll definitely be interesting to see how the two stack up against each other after last season’s playoff, and perhaps the Knicks will be looking to send a message.

Miami at Dallas

Date: Dec 25

A rematch of last season’s championship is what fans are anticipating to see, and it’s something that’s been on Miami’s mind since the playoffs ended.

There’s no question that the Heat will come out firing on all cylinders after going down to the Mavericks last season, and the Mavs better be ready for Miami’s best shot.

Chicago at Los Angeles Lakers

Date: Dec 25

Andrew Bynum is suspended for the first five games of the regular season, and that’s going to hurt LA inside against Chicago, a team with legitimate size in the starting unit and off the bench.

It’s going to be awesome to see how Kobe Bryant comes out of the gates in a shortened season as he attempts to tie Michael Jordan with six rings in his career.

Orlando at Oklahoma City

Date: Dec 25

In somewhat of an understated rivalry game, the Magic and Thunder will square up for some highly anticipated action on Christmas Day, and it promises to be entertaining.

The feud between Kendrick Perkins and Dwight Howard in the middle will be burning brightly as long as Howard is still on the roster.

Chicago vs. New York

Date: Feb 2

The Knicks and Bulls will square off in an entertaining affair, and these two teams will have all eyes watching as both are looking to represent the Eastern Conference in the finals.

While one team boasts more depth than the other, there's no questioning the offensive firepower harbored on both sides, and that makes for some guaranteed highlights as a result.

Chicago at Indiana

Date: April 25

The Pacers might not get the attention that some other clubs do, but this is a team poised to make some really serious noise in the Eastern Conference if everything clicks on all cylinders.

After the chippy postseason series between the two teams, there's no doubt that the Pacers will be looking to prove that they belong in the conversation when discussing the young talent in the NBA.

Boston vs. Orlando

Date: Jan 23

The Magic might be motivated to play some very impassioned basketball this season with rumors swirling around the team, but there's a good chance the Celtics feel the same way.

Both clubs are facing a title window that's very rapidly closing, and it will be very intriguing to see if that lights a fire underneath either side for the duration of the campaign.

Boston vs. New York

Date: Feb 3

A rematch between the two teams fighting it out atop the conference qualifies as must-see TV, and with both clubs angling for Chris Paul, there are plenty of subplots to watch here.

Both of these teams may not look the same as each has in previous seasons, but no matter which players are out on the court, there is going to be a spirited game to see.

New York vs. New Jersey

Date: Feb 4

The Knicks and Nets might not draw the allure of a national audience, but the Northeast likes to watch the battles between the two clubs across the river from one another.

With New Jersey needing a reason for Deron Williams to sign a long-term extension and the Knicks looking to capitalize with their new stars, both teams will leave it all out on the floor in this one.

Philadelphia vs. Indiana

Date: Jan 9

The Sixers and Pacers are two teams that fans are going to get a lot more familiar with in the future, as each has a very solid young core of talent and neither is going by the wayside at any point soon.

Despite both teams enduring early postseason exits last season, neither club should take a step backward and there are seriously promising times ahead for each barring knucklehead decisions from the front office.

Oklahoma City vs. Memphis

Date: Feb 3

The Thunder and Grizzlies are the two most exciting young teams in the league, and there is a bounty of basketball fans who would love to watch these clubs on a nightly basis.

Both can make strong pushes up the Western Conference and into the postseason this year, and it wouldn't be a shock to see the two fighting it out late in the season.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio

Date: April 17

These two veteran teams might be hurt by a shortened campaign and a fast-paced schedule, but each will be highly motivated to make a serious stamp on the league in 2011-12.

It's never a good idea to doubt Tim Duncan or Kobe Bryant when each has the idea of winning at the highest level on his mind, and that translates to quality basketball when the season is on the line for fans to watch in a season which will feature plenty of sloppy play.

Dallas vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Date: Jan 16

The Lakers were embarrassed in the playoffs last season by the Mavericks, and that's a sour taste that the club is waiting to vehemently spew out of its mouth.

It's going to be a scene when these two teams take the court against each other, and there's reason to believe that it could create more hoopla than the rematch against Miami.

Oklahoma City vs. Portland

Date: Jan 3

The Rip City revival is in full swing and the Oklahoma City Thunder have the city riding high with pride, so each team will have plenty on the line when the action tips off between the two squads.

If the Thunder want to make fans believe that this team is a serious championship contender, Kevin Durant will have to prove that he can establish himself as an alpha dog against any opposition.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Date: Jan 14

Where one team from Hollywood goes on the "road" against the other, the Lakers vs. Clippers has been referred to as "Blake vs. Kobe" since Griffin took the league by storm.

The Clippers could eventually be a threat to the Lakers as the team in Los Angeles, but as long as Bryant is still playing, that's extremely unlikely to occur.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis

Date: Jan 26

Two of the most exciting young teams in the Grizzlies and Clippers feature some premier young talent like Blake Griffin and Rudy Gay, but it's much more than just those two on both sides.

With all of the youth on the court, this matchup promises to be one that's filled with highlight-reel plays and a fair amount of slam dunks.

Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans

Date: March 14

Chris Paul likely won't be with the Hornets at this point, but this is still worth watching considering how the first round of the postseason went between the two teams last year.

Even if CP3 is dealt elsewhere, the Hornets will likely get a nice return in exchange, and that means the team won't be left with a subpar product on the court as some might expect.

Memphis at Denver

Date: March 11

Any chance to watch Zach Randolph and Chris Andersen battle it out near the basket is enough to turn on the television, but each of these two teams will be looking to make a real move up the standings this season.

It will be fun to watch how a Nuggets team continues to work in the post-Carmelo era, and the Grizzlies will be looking to make even greater strides than previously.

Golden State vs. Dallas

Date: March 10

Ever since a Warriors team led by Baron Davis knocked off the top-seeded Mavericks in the postseason, games between Golden State and Dallas have become even that much more fun to watch.

The defending champions will have their hands full with an athletic Warriors group that's going to be ready to run every night.

Houston vs. Utah

Date: Feb 19

Some might be rolling their eyes at the prospects of watching the Jazz this season, but it's going to be awesome to see what all of the team's young players are capable of doing in their first season together.

Similarly, the Rockets will almost undoubtedly roll out a fresh attack under a new head coach in Kevin McHale, and if Kyle Lowry continues to play the way he did toward the end of last season, it's going to make things a lot easier for Houston.

Portland vs. Denver

Date: Dec 29

The term "championship contender" doesn't get associated with Portland often, but this isn't a team that anyone should be sleeping on after last season's surge.

LaMarcus Aldridge positioned himself as a premier power forward last season, and watching him continue to develop all season will be something every fan should experience.

Los Angeles at New York

Date: Feb 10

The Lakers and Knicks are two of the biggest draws in the entire league, and this game is a slam dunk to light up the television ratings and fill the arena full of fans.

Madison Square Garden is going to be rocking in anticipation of Kobe Bryant's arrival, and the roof might blow off the building if the Knicks come out on top.

Dallas vs. Oklahoma City

Date: Jan 2

Every time these two clubs go at it, there's going to be an unbelievable amount of excitement due to last season's playoff battle.

Whether it's Dirk Nowizki's one-footed jump shots or the athleticism displayed by a running Thunder team, there's every reason to watch all 48 minutes.

Sacramento at Golden State

Date: Jan 31

The Warriors and Kings are two of the most fun teams to watch in any season, and it has more to do with each team's style of play than the actual product put out on the court.

This is a near guarantee to be a high-scoring affair, so if you like to watch for defensive intensity, this may not be the game for you.

Washington vs. Chicago

Date: Jan 30

Derrick Rose vs. John Wall? Yes, please, and it doesn't much matter who else is on the court alongside the two incredible point guards.

Wall is looking to assert himself in the upper echelon of players during his sophomore season, and the chances of a full-fledged breakout campaign are rising by the day.

Miami vs. New York

Date: Jan 27

What is a better way to ring in a new season than with the revival of a real rivalry between Miami and New York, as each looks to claim its stake atop the Eastern Conference standings?

There will be a ton of firepower on the court for both sides, and all eyes will be glued to the activity to see whether or not the Knicks can actually pour water on the Heat.

New Jersey vs. Indiana

Date: Jan 2

The Nets and Pacers might not get the juices flowing for fans of teams outside the Eastern Conference, but both teams will be competing for a postseason berth and each promises to be better than last season.

With Indiana looking to make a real push and New Jersey trying to find every reason to convince Deron Williams to stay long-term, it's going to be an entertaining game for anybody to watch.

Washington vs. Atlanta

Date: Dec 28

The Hawks will be looking to get over the hump after postseason berths have resulted in the same outcome over the last two seasons, and the Wizards will be trying to make a statement this year about the future.

With John Wall poised to take Washington to the next level and Atlanta struggling to find an identity, it wouldn't be a total surprise to see the Wizards come out on top if the defensive intensity is at the right level.

Dallas vs. Portland

Date: Feb 11

LaMarcus Aldridge vs. Dirk Nowitzki is going to be the main draw here, but there's a variety of intriguing matchups all over the court in this one.

Additionally, Rudy Fernandez gets to take on his old Portland team and has a chance to prove that the Blazers should've been much more efficient in using him when he was on the roster.

Indiana at New York

Date: March 16

The Pacers vs. Knicks was a game that nobody missed when Reggie Miller was still in the league, and while it's certainly not at that level now, the rivalry has potential to grow between the two once again.

Indiana has a real chance to be a lot better than last season, and considering how impressive the strides made were just a single season ago, that's a promising indication for the future.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston

Date: Jan 4

The Clippers and Rockets each have reasons to be excited about the season, and both have the potential to turn some heads around the league as both will clamor for a postseason berth.

Whether it's the exciting backcourt of Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin or simply to watch the Blake Griffin Show in full effect, this promises to be two to three hours of downright fun.

Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City

Date: Feb 23

Is this the changing of the guard? Will this be the season where fans around the league are ready to put the Thunder ahead of the Lakers atop the Western Conference?

Well, that depends on what each team's roster looks like at the end of February, and there's definite potential that neither club will boast the same group of players each currently does now.

Miami at Cleveland

Date: Feb 17

LeBron returns to Cleveland after revealing that he never sought out to be a villain, but it's unlikely that Cavs fans will care much about what he has to say about the issue.

Dan Gilbert will have something special planned for when his team takes on the Heat, but it probably won't be in the form of a promotional night featuring a "memo giveaway" written in Comic Sans font.