NBA 2011-2012: 5 Key Matchups in December

With the NBA season upon us in rapid force, there is a lot to look forward to in this shortened season.

Aging teams such as the Boston Celtics have the opportunity to be at the top of their game health-wise, rather than feeling the wrath of the lengthy season.

Teams with new acquisitions and roster departures, such as the Los Angeles Clippers adding Chris Paul, have less time to figure out their team's identity in order to push toward the playoffs.

One thing that does not change, however, are the key match ups among teams that we will be treated to throughout the season.

Here are some of the key games to look forward to as we push on into the season, that certainly have the potential to be very exciting.

Dec. 25: Miami Heat @ Dallas Mavericks

This one seemed pretty cut-and-dry when it was first announced.

Defending NBA Champions, Dallas Mavericks, taking on the very team they defeated for the championship the last time we had basketball, the Miami Heat.

Now this game has even more implications for both teams than we have ever figured.

Dallas lost possibly the heart of their defense in Tyson Chandler, who opted to sign with the New York Knicks. Also, their sparky point guard who supplied much needed bench production, JJ Barea. He received top money to help the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves.

Dallas still has Dirk Nowitzki, and they added Lamar Odom from the Lakers. Although, one has to wonder how crucial those two departures will be to the fabric of the franchise.

Miami brings back the big three in LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. It was painfully obvious during the Finals against the Mavericks that the Heat needed one more big body, and one more role player to continue to be on top of the NBA. 

What they did was bring in one of the best defenders and pure shooters in the league to help solidify the front line, Shane Battier and big body Eddy Curry. Both men, however, are battling an injury and could potentially miss this opening game. 

In the long run, this game may not have as big of an impact on either team's season, but it doesn't hurt to think about the possibilities. 

Dec 28: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Memphis Grizzlies

After the phenomenal playoff series these two teams put on last year, this is one game I'll be looking forward to most this season.

No one expected Memphis to be any sort of threat in the playoffs. Considering they just narrowly got in with the eight seed last year.  Low and behold, these upstart Grizzlies knocked off the almighty San Antonio Spurs in the first round. Then took it to the Oklahoma City Thunder, pushing their series to seven games.

These two teams match up so well it's uncanny. Mike Conley going against Russell Westbrook, OJ Mayo battling James Harden, the lanky Kevin Durant up against the also lanky Rudy Gay, Serge Ibaka trying to slow down the big bodied Zach Randolph, and the lean, mean Kendrick Perkins roughing it up in the paint with Marc Gasol. 

If you know anything about basketball, seeing those two lineups should send chills down your spine when it comes to possibilities in epic games.

Dec 29: New Jersey Nets @ Orlando Magic

New Jersey traveling to Orlando normally wouldn't be a high profile game. Except now, there are two potential storylines for when this game tips off:

1.) Dwight Howard is returning to Orlando for the first time since being traded to the New Jersey Nets. He is looking for some kind of approval or ovation from the Orlando crowd.

2.) New Jersey gets the chance to see how Howard matches up against Brook Lopez. They are hoping he impresses them to the point, where they officially push through with the trade.

Either way, this game has the opportunity to bring a lot of attention to it. Especially, how the trade situation is going right now. 

There's no telling if Howard will even be moved by the time this game rolls around, but if he is, look out.

Dec 29: New York Knicks @ Los Angeles Lakers

Both the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers have rich histories. Championships and Hall of Famers galore.

Now, both teams have more to prove than ever before.

Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are trying to overcome their embarrassment, that was the series sweep at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks. This offseason was not pleasant for the Lakers either. 

Losing out on Lamar Odom, being denied the acquisition of Chris Paul by the league, and Andrew Bynum having to sit out a number of games due to his antics during the series against the Mavericks.

New York is seeking to gain some respect from the rest of the league. Gaining Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony is not enough to make them a formidable threat in the Eastern Conference. 

However, gaining Tyson Chandler through free agency may help them be that top dog they are looking to be. To have those three talents alone make them a threat to take down the rest of the conference.

This game may determine, in which direction each team is going to take throughout the season.  If the Lakers crumble, they could be in serious trouble. 

If they prevail, they are still the great team we know them to be. If New York fails miserably, they could be considered a bust.

If they topple the great Lakers, they should be in talks as one of the top teams in the league. 

Look for this game to shake up each conference based on what kind of outcome we see.

Dec 30: Chicago Bulls @ Los Angeles Clippers

Derrick Rose is the reigning MVP of the league. He and the Chicago Bulls made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before bowing out to the Miami Heat.

They had the best record in the league last year. Recently they added Richard Hamilton this offseason to help with the only glaring problem on their team, shooting guard inconsistency. 

Blake Griffin asserted himself as an animal last year. He consistently made amazing dunks. He had an outstanding production for it to only be his first active year in the league. 

Now, the dunk master has the lob master, Chris Paul at his disposal. Together they can form one of the most potent guard-post combinations in the league.

What more can you ask for in such an early season contest?

The Clippers are looking to become a threat in the Western Conference for the first time in, well, ever. While the Bulls are seeking to continue their success from last year, and possibly reach the Finals for the first time since the Jordan Era. 

Paul against Rose is one of the most sought-after tickets in the league. Now, you get Blake Griffin as an added bonus to that matchup. 

Count me in.

And That's December for You

December should be a pretty intense first month of action in the NBA.

Hopefully these games don't disappoint.