The NBA recently released its schedule for the 2023-2024 and it is filled with interesting storylines and matchups. From traded players lacing them up against their new teams to the debut of a shining new star, this season is packed with big games.
Lakers/Nuggets (10/24)
On Opening Day, we’re immediately treated to a Western Conference Finals rematch with the Lakers and Nuggets. The reigning World Champion Denver Nuggets and their star-studded tag team of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray take on the King, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and much of the continuity they had from their deep playoff run.
Suns/Warriors (10/24)
The retooled Suns are put to the test in their first game, facing off against the 2022 NBA Champions Golden State Warriors. Kevin Durant faces off against the team he won back-to-back championships with, alongside his running mate Devin Booker and the newly acquired Bradley Beal.
Mavs/Spurs (10/25)
The French phenom Victor Wembanyama is set to take center stage in his first game with the San Antonio Spurs. The number one pick will be thrown into the fire having to face off against the high-scoring duo of Kyrie Irving and the wizard Luka Doncic. However, the Spurs are more than just the 7’5” center with Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell primed to take a leap in the upcoming season under Coach Pop’s tutelage.
Lakers/Suns (10/26)
After an up-and-down season that resulted in a Western Conference Finals run, all eyes are on the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James is heading into his 21st season in the league and while last year saw him become the league’s all-time leading scorer, King James and the rebuilt Lakers are looking to bring an 18th banner to Crypto Arena. The Phoenix Suns on the other hand are looking for redemption after a tough loss in the first round to the eventual NBA Champion Denver Nuggets. Having acquired Bradley Beal to form one of the most deadly trios in the league on paper, this could be a potential look at a playoff series down the road.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) attempts to block a shot to the basket by Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second half of Game 4 during the NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference finals, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Miami/Boston (10/27)
The fiery rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat comes to a head once again to start the season. Jayson Tatum and Jimmy Butler went to battle in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year in a row, this time with the Miami Heat emerging victorious. After a brutal ankle roll held Tatum back in Game 7 of the ECF, he’s sure to have this game circled on his calendar. And Jimmy? He has every game circled on his calendar.
GSW/Sac (10/27)
The Sacramento Kings snapped the longest postseason drought in NBA History during the 2022-2023 season heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Not only did they light the beam, they lit up teams with their high-powered offense. The young upstarts also took the then-reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors to seven games before succumbing to the more battle-tested team.
Lakers/HOU (11/8)
The Houston Rockets went all out this off-season, restructuring their youthful lineup and securing some much-needed veteran talent. One of those veterans? The feisty, defensive-minded forward Dillon Brooks made waves with his statements on LeBron’s age during the first round of the playoffs. Brooks will once again face off against LeBron as one of the league’s foremost pests.
Wolves/Warriors (11/12)
The Minnesota Timberwolves are starting to make a name for themselves, particularly their star guard Anthony Edwards. Edwards, known for his competitive mentality has been bringing his signature fire to Team USA during the summer. After a summer of tutelage under the Warriors coach, Ant and the T-Wolves get to prove themselves early against the Warriors. Perhaps Ant will get that dunk on Draymond he’s always wanted.
NO/Mem (12/19)*
The Pelicans and Grizzlies will forever be entangled due to the 2019 Draft. The Pelicans and Grizzlies selected South Carolina natives at the number 1 and 2 picks respectively Zion Williamson and Ja Morant. This TNT game could be a highlight of the season with a hopefully healthy Zion ready to take on a potentially returning Ja Morant who was suspended for 25 games of the 2023-2024 season. This nationally televised game just happens to be the 26th game on the schedule. Could 12 make his return that night?
GSW/Denver (12/25)
The previous two NBA Champions face each other on Christmas Day, truly a gift for hoop fans! Golden State is looking to regain its status as top dog after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round and the only way to return to champion-level status is to beat the reigning Champs.
Dallas/Phx (12/25)
Though it’s not rivalry week just yet, the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns matchup is one fueled by hot blood. Devin Booker and Luka Doncic have a well-documented history and are at the forefront for young guards in the league. Add in the separation of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets and you have a match-up filled with coursing with intrigue.
GSW/Mem (1/15)
“The dynasty starts after you,” said Draymond Green in reference to Dillon Brooks’ comments on the contentious GSW-Memphis matchups. Well, with the absence of Dillon Brooks and the return of Ja Morant to the lineup, fans can see a rivalry renewed and two of the most electric point guards in the league face off in otherworldly shooter Steph Curry and the rim-rattling Ja Morant.
OKC/Spurs (1/24)
The future of the big man position faces off when the Number 2 pick of the 2022 Draft and the Number 1 pick of the 2023 Draft face off to start NBA Rivals Week. Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren previously faced off during the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup with Holmgren’s Team USA taking the dub. The two big men both have a tantalizing skill set and a layer of mystery due to Chet missing the entirety of the 2022-23 season. Could this matchup be the start of a long rivalry between the two slender, towering figures?
Mia/NYK (1/27)
Jimmy Buckets, Bam Adebayo, and the Miami Heat take on Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and the New York Knicks. The history of competition between the Knicks and Heat practically dates back to the Heat joining the NBA as a part of the 1988 expansion. Now after their second-round match-up last year, both teams are looking to cement themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Phi/Denver (1/27)
The battle of the big men returns for NBA Rivals week with Joel Embiid’s Philadelphia 76ers taking on Nikola Jokic and the World Champion Denver Nuggets. The two previous MVPs will come face-to-face after a hotly debated MVP race that saw Joel Embiid earn his first MVP award. Could this later-season battle be yet another preview of this year’s MVP race?
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