Reunions, Zion and Hollywood drama: Each recreation we will not wait to see
Baxter Holmes
ShutESPN Senior AuthorBaxter Holmes (@Baxter) is a senior author for ESPN Digital and Print, specializing in the NBA. He has coated the Lakers, the Celtics and beforehand labored for The Boston Globe and Los Angeles Instances.
Ohm Youngmisuk
Shut
ESPN Workers AuthorOhm Youngmisuk has coated the Giants, Jets and the NFL since 2006. Previous to that, he coated the Nets, Knicks and the NBA for practically a decade. He joined ESPNNewYork.com after working on the New York Day by day Information for nearly 12 years and is a graduate of Michigan State College.
Comply with him on Twitter » Ohm’s chat archive »
Mark your calendars — the total NBA schedule is right here.
The common season suggestions off on Oct. 22, per week later than final 12 months, and ends on April 15, with the playoffs starting simply three days later. There are 1,230 video games on the schedule (belief us, we counted), however we have circled these as our must-see regular-season matchups for 2019-20. The calendar is full with loads of reunions, debuts, rookie showdowns and, after all, the largest showdowns that includes the new-look Lakers and Clippers.
Editor’s word: This record doesn’t embrace the league’s 5 Christmas Day video games, which had been revealed on Aug. 2.
Extra: Massive Christmas questions | ESPN/ABC video games | Full schedule
Should-see season openers
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors
Oct. 22, eight ET | TNT
The banner shall be raised to the rafters. The shimmering championship rings shall be offered. Montage movies of the Toronto Raptors’ run to the 2018-19 championship shall be performed. A packed home of roaring followers will relive the primary NBA title for a Canadian group. It’s going to be a particular night time in Toronto, even when the group is choosing up the items within the wake of famous person Kawhi Leonard’s leaving after one memorable season to hitch the LA Clippers in free company.
This additionally marks the beginning of the Zion Williamson period for the New Orleans Pelicans, with a ton of consideration targeted on the No. 1 general choose’s NBA debut. Followers will anticipate an array of high-flying acrobatics from the athletic wunderkind, and some huge, highlight-reel-worthy slams from the ex-Duke standout ought to assist New Orleans followers transfer on from their former star, Anthony Davis. Let’s Dance!
— Baxter Holmes
LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Oct. 22, 10:30 ET | TNT
The season opens with the battle for supremacy over Los Angeles and maybe the Western Convention. Leonard makes his Clippers debut — it stays to be seen whether or not Paul George shall be prepared after his shoulder surgical procedure in June — towards the group’s Staples Middle-hallway rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James unveils his latest All-Star huge man because the Anthony Davis-Lakers period begins to the delight of the purple-and-gold nation.
This recreation would be the debut for a number of Lakers, from head coach Frank Vogel to DeMarcus Cousins, Danny Inexperienced and former Clipper Avery Bradley amongst others. On the opposite aspect, Doc Rivers may need two new superstars, however he has loads of continuity with veterans similar to Patrick Beverley and the perfect bench in basketball (Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell) returning. Let the Battle for L.A. start.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
Mark Blinch/NBAE by way of Getty Pictures
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Oct. 23, 7:30 ET | ESPN
It will not take lengthy for Al Horford to welcome his previous group to his new city, because the Celtics go to the Sixers on the second night time of the season. A latest resurgence of high expertise has helped awaken this dormant Jap Convention rivalry, top-of-the-line in NBA historical past. And although this 12 months’s rivalry shall be with out Jimmy Butler and Kyrie Irving, each the Celtics and 76ers have greater than sufficient expertise to stay in competition within the East — and to maintain these matchups spicy.
— Holmes
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets
Oct. 23, 7:30 ET
The 2019-20 Brooklyn Nets will debut with out Kevin Durant, who shall be rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon for what is anticipated to be your complete season, barring any unexpected circumstances. However this shall be Kyrie Irving’s first recreation with Brooklyn — and that alone is price tuning in for.
The famous person level guard had a rocky remaining season in Boston — to say the very least — on a proficient group that fell far in need of expectations. Irving’s array of biting feedback about management and extra all through the marketing campaign raised questions and appeared to bitter his on-court relationships and general notion as a teammate. However Irving remains to be an elite expertise and one of many recreation’s most dynamic scorers, and it will be fascinating to see how he leads his new squad.
— Holmes
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Houston Rockets
Oct. 24, eight ET | TNT
This goes into the ledger as our first take a look at the new-look Houston Rockets with the reunion of Russell Westbrook and James Harden. The 2 had been teammates what seems like lifetimes in the past in Oklahoma Metropolis, however a lot has modified. They’ve every since taken residence an MVP award and established themselves because the dominant star of their respective groups, so who will cede a little bit of management to assist make this reunion work? How will ground spacing work? Who would be the dominant ball handler?
In fact, their partnership — and Westbrook’s general slot in Houston — will evolve over the course of the season. Even when will get off to a bumpy begin, which may not imply it is going to be that method for the subsequent 81 regular-season video games — although it might be a preview of issues to come back and how much season the Rockets can anticipate.
Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will tackle the newly fashioned duo of Westbrook and Harden, the 2017 and 2018 MVPs, respectively. There also needs to be an added layer of competitors between Antetokounmpo and Harden, who competed for MVP honors in a heated race final season and will probably achieve this once more this season.
— Holmes
LA Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors
Oct. 24, 10:30 ET | TNT
The Warriors could have misplaced Kevin Durant in free company and nonetheless have Klay Thompson (knee) on the mend, however Oct. 24 shall be an evening for the Warriors to rejoice the disclosing of their shiny new residence enviornment — the Chase Middle. The Warriors transfer from Oakland to San Francisco and so they’ll carry a brand new All-Star guard with them in D’Angelo Russell.
And who higher for Steph Curry and Draymond Inexperienced to open their new digs towards apart from reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard? The very last thing we noticed when the NBA season ended was Leonard and the Raptors hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy at Oracle. Now Leonard returns to the Bay Space as a member of the Clippers, which ought to solely reignite this California rivalry.
— Youngmisuk
Extra can’t-miss video games
The slate of nice video games would not finish when opening week does. Listed below are 10 extra matchups price circling in your calendar as soon as the web page turns previous October:
LA Clippers vs. Houston Rockets
Nov. 13, 7:30 ET | ESPN
Who has the perfect duo within the NBA? The Clippers and Rockets will put that argument to the check when Leonard and George go to Harden and Westbrook in Houston. Simply watching Mike D’Antoni’s high-powered offense towards Doc Rivers’ protection shall be fascinating to look at, as will the reunion between former Thunder teammates Westbrook and George.
— Youngmisuk
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Nov. 13, 10 ET | ESPN
LeBron renews his rivalry with Stephen Curry and the Warriors, however this time, he brings maybe his greatest All-Star huge man in Davis and a brand new solid of veteran shooters round him.
This recreation options a few notable reunions. D’Angelo Russell faces the group that drafted and later jettisoned him to make room for Ball. And Cousins returns to the Bay to face his former teammates and coach, trying to show he can nonetheless return to his All-Star kind. It additionally would not be a shock to see Quinn Prepare dinner attempt to hit a couple of 3s towards his previous mates.
— Youngmisuk
Dallas Mavericks vs. New York Knicks
Nov. 14, eight ET | TNT
There was a time when Kristaps Porzingis was the savior for the New York Knicks, a unicorn from Latvia who helped awaken Madison Sq. Backyard and was going to assist return the Knicks to prominence. Now, Porzingis and his new teammate, reigning Rookie of the Yr Luka Doncic, kind a duo that would elevate the Dallas Mavericks again into title competition. After lacking greater than 20 months of basketball, Porzingis ought to lastly be wholesome and can probably need to present Knicks followers what they’re going to be lacking as he makes his return to MSG.
— Holmes
Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics
Nov. 27, 7 ET | ESPN
The boos shall be raining down from throughout TD Backyard when Irving’s title is introduced within the opposing beginning lineup. And people boos will in all probability proceed virtually each time he touches the ball in his former residence enviornment, given the bitter finish and bitter break up.
Not even a 12 months in the past, Irving stated he’d like to re-sign with the Boston Celtics if the followers would have him, and stated he needed to be the rationale no different Celtic would ever put on No. 11 once more. After which every little thing went about as disastrously because it might have. That backdrop ought to present loads of fireworks — particularly with lots of Irving’s former teammates trying to show the group can greater than transfer on with out him.
— Holmes
Kyrie Irving will return to TD Backyard for the primary time since his tumultuous remaining season in Boston. Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE by way of Getty Pictures
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Nov. 27, 9:30 ET | ESPN
Davis returns to New Orleans for the primary time since being traded to L.A. Usually this could be greater than sufficient drama and motive to tune in, however Davis’ probably impolite Massive Straightforward reception is just the beginning of what might be must-see TV. The Lakers may even see some acquainted faces in NOLA, a gaggle as soon as meant to be the longer term in Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart — the Lakers’ three former first-round picks despatched to New Orleans within the Davis commerce.
Oh, and let’s not neglect: LeBron vs. Zion. Two of probably the most freakishly athletic and bodily intimidating gamers we have seen will sq. off when Williamson hosts James for the primary time.
— Youngmisuk
LA Clippers vs. Toronto Raptors
Dec. 11, 7 ET | TNT
The final time we noticed Leonard in Toronto, a helicopter was monitoring his automobile from the sky as he went to fulfill with the Raptors throughout free company. Now, the Finals MVP, who delivered Canada its first championship, returns when the Clippers make their solely journey north of the border. It ought to be a possibility for Toronto — and even for Drake — to thank Leonard once more, as he might obtain his championship ring on this night time.
Though Leonard and the Clippers are title favorites, Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam shall be wanting to remind everybody who the defending champions are.
— Youngmisuk
Miami Warmth vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Dec. 18, 7:30 ET | ESPN
Jimmy Butler makes his return to Philadelphia for the primary time since signing with the Miami Warmth in free company. There was plenty of top-end expertise with the Philadelphia 76ers throughout Butler’s remaining season, and it all the time felt like there was a log jam of kinds for the alpha canine/scorer position between Butler, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris.
Was the match excellent? Not all the time. However now, no matter points arose are much less so with Butler taking his skills to South Seashore, the place he’s the unquestioned high choice. His reception again in Philadelphia will in all probability be combined as a result of it is Philadelphia, however Butler is a feisty competitor and can little question carry one thing additional for this matchup.
— Holmes
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Path Blazers
Dec. 18, 10 ET | ESPN
The Portland Path Blazers shall be wanting to erase the nasty style of the Western Convention finals sweep suffered by the hands of the Warriors. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum hope to indicate they’ve discovered from final season’s playoff run and are able to take one other step ahead. They’re going to even have a brand new huge man, Hassan Whiteside, who was introduced in to assist with Jusuf Nurkic nonetheless on the mend.
In fact, Portland has to discover a strategy to decelerate Curry, who averaged 36.5 factors, eight.three rebounds and seven.three assists in that sequence. After which there’s Inexperienced, who was a digital strolling triple-double after he had two triple-doubles and averaged 16.5 factors, 11.eight rebounds and eight.eight assists towards Portland.
— Youngmisuk
After dropping two video games every to the Clippers and Rockets within the earlier rounds of the playoffs, the Warriors swept CJ McCollum and the Blazers in 4 video games. Sam Forencich/NBAE by way of Getty Pictures
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Jan. 9, 9:30 ET | TNT
It is arduous to imagine the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder period is formally over now with Westbrook’s departure. Westbrook’s first recreation again in Oklahoma Metropolis shall be extremely emotional for town, the followers and even Westbrook, who got here of age in OKC and rose to MVP stardom there.
If Chris Paul remains to be in a Thunder uniform, then this recreation could have additional intrigue as he faces off towards his previous group. Paul has deep roots in Oklahoma Metropolis; he performed there when the New Orleans Hornets had been displaced throughout Hurricane Katrina.
— Holmes
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
Jan. 18, eight:30 ET | ABC
The ground shall be plagued by MVPs. LeBron, Harden and Westbrook have 5 MVP trophies from the previous decade between them, and Davis is one other MVP-caliber participant. The Lakers and Rockets are poised to be two of the perfect groups within the Western Convention, and there ought to be no scarcity of highlights and scoring when these two groups face off.
And there additionally might be a triple-double or two on this recreation. Westbrook, James and Harden respectively rank second, fifth and ninth general on the all-time triple-doubles record.
— Youngmisuk
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Charlotte Hornets
Jan. 24, three ET | NBATV
The Greek Freak takes Paris! The NBA is heading throughout the pond to play its first regular-season recreation ever within the French capital, which is becoming, as France has lengthy been a hotbed for NBA expertise: Tony Parker, Boris Diaw and Rudy Gobert, to call a couple of.
Here is hoping neither group is jet-lagged from the six-hour time distinction between Paris and the East Coast. The Charlotte Hornets are, let’s assume, not on the title-contending stage of the Milwaukee Bucks, nevertheless it’s the stage that issues most on this one.
— Holmes
Extra reunion specials to look at
What do you get when dozens of stars change jerseys over the summer time? Much more reunions! Listed below are seven different showdowns that includes stars headed again to face their former franchises:
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder vs. Houston Rockets
Oct. 28, eight ET
Paul was part of some deep playoff runs in Houston, however he and the Rockets had been by no means in a position to overcome the Warriors to succeed in their final objective. Now again in Oklahoma Metropolis, the place his NBA profession has a few of its oldest roots, he’ll face off towards the purpose guard for whom he was dealt in Westbrook and former teammate Harden, with whom he did not all the time see eye to eye. This ought to be a enjoyable one.
— Holmes
Chris Paul’s remaining months in Houston had been overshadowed by rumors of a commerce demand and falling out with teammate James Harden. Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports activities
Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Hornets
Nov. 7, eight ET | TNT
From the second they chose him ninth general within the 2011 draft, Kemba Walker gave eight robust seasons to Charlotte. The three-time All-Star, who signed with the Celtics in free company, ought to — and virtually definitely will — obtain a rousing ovation from Hornets followers, witnesses to his rise to NBA stardom.
However this recreation may even be a reunion of kinds for brand new Hornets level guard Terry Rozier, whom the Hornets inked in free company after Walker headed for greener pastures in Boston. The purpose guard twin ought to be an attractive matchup, however come for the reception Walker receives in Charlotte.
— Holmes
Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Nov. 15, eight ET | ESPN
Level guard Mike Conley was an integral a part of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grit and Grind period, one which has since been dismantled with Marc Gasol, Tony Allen, Zach Randolph and — as of this summer time — Conley all shifting on. However that period will all the time be a particular one for die-hard NBA followers, and its finish arrived, formally or not, when Conley was traded to the Utah Jazz this offseason.
Conley will obtain tons of affection from the Memphis followers — and rightly so. He’ll additionally face off towards the purpose guard who will kind of be tasked with making an attempt to stay as much as every little thing Conley was: rookie Ja Morant, the No. 2 general choose on this 12 months’s draft.
— Holmes
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
Dec. 9, 10:30 ET
If Inexperienced is the guts of the Warriors’ dynasty, and Curry and Thompson the faces of the franchise, then Andre Iguodala was the soul of the Warriors’ run. When he was traded in a cap-clearing transfer within the aftermath of Durant’s departure, it felt like a key a part of what made the Warriors particular was out the door.
Iguodala ought to obtain an enormous roar from the group as he performs his first recreation within the Bay — albeit in San Francisco and never Oakland — since he left after making 5 straight Finals appearances with the Warriors.
— Holmes
LA Clippers vs. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Dec. 22, 7 ET
The schedule-makers made certain to not put this recreation on the slate early within the season. With the Clippers anticipated to take issues sluggish with George and his surgically repaired shoulders, the All-Star swingman ought to be out there when the Clippers go to Oklahoma Metropolis in March. It ought to be attention-grabbing to see the reception George will get after he re-signed with the Thunder solely to ask for a commerce this previous summer time to return residence to Los Angeles and be a part of forces with Leonard. That commerce instantly despatched his former group into rebuilding mode.
— Youngmisuk
Brooklyn Nets vs. Golden State Warriors
March 12, 10:30 ET
Whereas Durant shall be having to attend a season earlier than enjoying within the new Chase Middle in a Nets uniform, the participant the Warriors acquired again within the sign-and-trade deal shall be making his return to Brooklyn. Russell, who rose to All-Star standing a 12 months in the past, could have loads of motivation to remind the Nets what they gave up. And, after all, let’s not neglect concerning the marquee matchup between Kyrie and Steph.
— Youngmisuk
Toronto Raptors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
March 28, eight ET
Gasol is an NBA champion, and though he did not win it with the Grizzlies in Memphis, town and its followers will definitely respect their former star returning residence together with his résumé expanded to incorporate the championship he gained in Toronto.
— Holmes
However wait, extra L.A. video games to look at
Let’s face it — we cannot be capable to maintain our eyes off Los Angeles hoops this season. With each the Lakers and Clippers amassing star energy this offseason, here’s a take a look at extra Hollywood drama certain to dominate the 2019-20 season:
Milwaukee Bucks vs. LA Clippers
Nov. 6, 10 ET | ESPN
Antetokounmpo wished Leonard had chosen to stay in Toronto as a free agent. “For me personally, I’d love for Kawhi to remain within the East and keep in Toronto as a result of I’d like to undergo the sequence [with them] once more,” the reigning MVP instructed ESPN in July.
With Leonard within the Western Convention now, the Bucks ought to be the favorites to win the East. However this shall be simply one in every of two nights once we get to see the NBA’s MVP sq. off towards the Finals MVP. Except, after all, the Bucks and Clippers meet within the NBA Finals.
— Youngmisuk
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Jan. three, 10:30 ET | ESPN
As soon as upon a time, Magic Johnson boasted that Ball would have his No. 2 jersey raised to the rafters to hitch all the opposite Lakers legends with retired jerseys. However after simply two seasons, Ball is now not a Laker. Neither is one other former No. 2 general choose: Ingram. As soon as thought-about to be the way forward for the Lakers, Ball and Ingram, together with former Lakers’ first-round choose Hart, make their return to Staples Middle trying to remind the Lakers how a lot they gave as much as get Davis. As if that wasn’t sufficient to carry out the Hollywood stars courtside, Zion faces the Lakers for the primary time at Staples Middle. Get Jack and Denzel prepared.
— Youngmisuk
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Feb. 23, three:30 ET | ABC
One of the storied rivalries in all of sports activities is renewed with just a little twist. The Celtics and Danny Ainge lengthy coveted Davis, gathering a boatload of belongings to pursue the New Orleans huge man as soon as he grew to become out there. However Davis needed to turn out to be a Laker, and now Ainge has to abdomen the sight of him in purple and gold. This, although, shall be a possibility for some Celtics, similar to Jayson Tatum, to remind individuals it was a superb factor Boston did not commerce them away.
— Youngmisuk
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
March 6, 10:30 ET | ESPN
The Greek Freak believes the perfect group within the NBA — not essentially the one with the perfect star duo — will win all of it this season. Here is one probability for Antetokounmpo to show that because the Bucks go to Staples to face LeBron and AD. This may even be a reunion for Antetokounmpo and his former Bucks coach, Jason Kidd, who now’s Vogel’s lead assistant. It would even be attention-grabbing to see whether or not Kostas Antetokounmpo, who signed a two-way contract with the Lakers, shall be up with the group on this night time. In any case, it is by no means too early to look forward to Giannis’ free company in 2021.
— Youngmisuk
Zion video games to look at
On any given night time, the Rookie of the Yr favourite is an efficient guess to offer spotlight of the night time materials. Listed below are three extra Pelicans video games to look at this season, starring No. 1 general choose Zion Williamson:
Zion Williamson will face former Duke teammate and fellow lottery choose RJ Barrett for the primary time on one of many NBA’s greatest phases. Garrett Ellwood/NBAE by way of Getty Pictures
New Orleans Pelicans vs. New York Knicks
Jan. 10, eight ET | ESPN
This isn’t solely a matchup of two high rookies in New Orleans’ Williamson and New York’s RJ Barrett — who additionally had been teammates a season in the past at Duke — it is Williamson’s debut on the NBA’s greatest stage: Madison Sq. Backyard.
The presence of the highest general choose in final 12 months’s draft will assist create an electrical setting during which it is anticipated his other-worldly athleticism shall be on show — and it figures Williamson, ever the showman, will need to placed on a present after his Las Vegas Summer time League debut towards Barrett was lower brief after simply 9 minutes.
— Holmes
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Dec. 13, 7 ET
The 76ers’ star level guard Simmons gained Rookie of the Yr in 2018, and on this matchup, he’ll face Williamson, the rookie who is anticipated to take that honor this coming season.
— Holmes
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Jan. 20, 5 ET | TNT
Williamson and Morant, the primary and second general picks on this 12 months’s draft, respectively, will face off because the Pelicans tackle the Grizzlies on MLK Day. Each are particularly athletic and boast a penchant for attacking the rim, so there ought to be loads of highlights on this one.
— Holmes
Each group’s schedule
Atlantic: BOS | BKN | NYK | PHI | TOR
Central: CHI | CLE | DET | IND | MIL
Southeast: ATL | CHA | MIA | ORL | WAS
Pacific: GS | LAC | LAL | PHX | SAC
Southwest: DAL | HOU | MEM | NO | SA
Northwest: DEN | MIN | OKC | POR | UTAH