The 2013-14 NBA regular season schedule has now been released. With so many exciting games to choose from, it can be hard to figure out which ones to make a priority. While everybody's opinions will vary, I have come up with a list of eleven games that I think everybody should make sure that they see.
(note: to see the complete schedule, click here)
1. Opening Night: October 29, 2013--- Bulls@Heat (8:00 PM ET on TNT)
Bulls PG Derrick Rose will be playing in his first game in over a year, and in the process it will be against the two-time defending champs! Many feel that the Bulls can take out the Heat with a healthy Derrick Rose, and this game might give us a bit of a clue about whether or the Bulls actually have what it takes. More importantly, we shall see former NBA MVP Derrick Rose back on the court!!!
2. Christmas Day: December 25, 2013---Clippers@Warriors (10:30 PM ET on ESPN)
Over the years, the Warriors and Clippers have played some very entertaining games. With both teams now in the mix to win the Western Conference, this game will have a whole new meaning to it. Also, this gives us a chance to see how much better the Clippers are as a result of hiring Doc Rivers as well as how much better the Warriors are with Andre Iguodala.
3. Martin Luther King Day: January 20, 2014--- Nets@Knicks (2:30 PM ET on ESPN)
The Knicks/Nets rivalry is really heating up with the arrival of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry in Brooklyn as well as the arrival of Metta World Peace in New York. These intercity games are always fun to watch, and this game ought to be the treat of Martin Luther King Day.
4. February 13, 2014--- Nets @ Bulls (8:00 PM ET on TNT)
The Nets and Bulls are both going to be better this season and both are looking like real threats to the Heat. Seeing them face off ought to be fun since it might give us an idea of as to which team is more of a threat.
5. December 4, 2013--- Spurs vs. Timberwolves (9:30 PM ET on NBA TV in Mexico City)
The only reason to watch this game is because it's in Mexico City. As for the game itself, there are hundreds of games that are equally interesting as this. It'll be interesting to see how the players get received in Mexico City, which is why this one makes the list.
6. January 26--- Spurs@Heat (1:00 PM ET on ABC)
Who doesn't want to see an NBA Finals rematch on a Sunday afternoon? This one will be fun.
7. November 27---Heat@Cavaliers (7:30 PM ET on ESPN)
Any time LeBron James returns to Cleveland, it is must see TV!!! We also might get to see the Kyrie Irving/Andrew Bynum duo in action for the Cavaliers.
8. December 18---Pacers@Heat (7:00 PM ET on ESPN)
The Pacers pushed the Heat to a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, and due to the acquisition of Luis Scola and the return of Danny Granger, the Pacers might have what it takes to win the East. While I don't think this game has much bearing on what will happen in the playoffs, this one is sure to be an exciting and thrilling game.
9. February 7---Timberwolves@Pelicans (9:30 PM ET on ESPN)
On paper, this game isn't all that exciting, but it gives you the chance to see the new look New Orleans Pelicans on national television!! Don't miss this one purely because it'll be interesting to see if the announcers can avoid laughing every time they say the name "Pelicans".
10. February 19---Rockets@Lakers (10:30 PM ET on ESPN)
This one will be fun as it is Dwight Howard's return to Los Angeles to face the Lakers. The Lakers have made it no secret that they are angry at Dwight Howard, and this will give them a chance to get some revenge!
11. (That's right, my list goes to 11!!!) January 26---Nets@Celtics (6:00 PM ET on ESPN)
Paul Pierce has played 15 seasons in the NBA, and all 15 have been in a Celtics uniform. This season will be his first season not as a Celtic. I'm sure he will get a warm reception from the Boston crowd along with teammates Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry.
---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord
