75 more days. That’s all until the first ball gets thrown in the air by the referee, then a Brazilian seven footer and a seven foot former defensive player of the year see who can jump highest to get their team the first possession of the season when the defending Champion San Antonio Spurs take on the new look Dallas Mavericks in the NBA’s season opener.
For some reason, maybe LeBron, maybe the increased popularity, exciting rookie class or maybe the social media impact, this upcoming season seems to be the most anticipated in recent memory. For this reason, here’s a list of the top 10 most anticipated games of the 2014-15 NBA Season.
Honorable Mention
December 25: Washington Wizards at New York Knicks
The Knicks NEED to play on Christmas day. They just have too. This is an interesting matchup though as the young and hungry Wizards take a main stage for all the world to see on Christmas Day.
Dec. 25: Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls
First matchup of the old teammates in LA, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant, as Bryant takes his Lakers team that showcases a Carlos Boozer return to Chi-Town.
November 26 Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks
The match-up of the top 2 picks from the 2014 draft as the soon to be member of the T-Wolves, Andrew Wiggins takes on Jabari Parker and the Milwaukee Bucks.
October 29: Oklahoma City Thunder at Portland Trail Blazers
This will just be a great game to watch, a whole lot of scoring between these two young and upstart contenders in the west.
March 11: Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers
Just because this might be the best buzzer beater in the last 10 years. Lillard is cold blooded and the Rockets look for revenge.
https://youtu.be/Q-mW6YjP1mw
January 16th: Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Clippers
The Cavaliers go into Los Angeles to play a game that may be full of alley-oops and great power forward play.
The List
10. Dec. 15: Cavaliers vs Charlotte
This speaks for itself. Lance versus LeBron.
9. Mar. 5: Oklahoma City Thunder at Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose versus Russell Westbrook. A must see match-up of the two most athletic point guards the NBA has ever seen. This is long awaited.
8. Oct. 28: Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are raising their fifth championship banner and you know the Mavericks are hungry to ruin the party. Dirk Nowitzki brings a new look cast with him to the Alamo when he is joined by Chandler Parsons, Tyson Chandler, Jameer Nelson and Raymond Felton. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are going to fight at all cost to defend home court.
7. Dec. 11: Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder
The first match-up between LeBron James and Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City.
6. April 5: Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers
This is the final match-up of the season between the Bulls and Cavs. It might be the one that sets up everything in the playoffs, especially helping to determine the Central Division winner.
5. Dec. 25: Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
Because what might be the NBA’s best team versus team rivalry got really hot and picked up last Christmas. Check it out.
4. Oct. 28: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers
Dwight Howard returns to LA, Again, but more importantly, Kobe Bryant returns to the NBA.
I mean we all remember how well this worked out, right?
3. Oct. 30: New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron’s home opener versus his biggest rival through out his entire career, Carmelo Anthony.
2. Oct. 29: Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks
Last year the Knicks visited the Bulls and Derrick Rose looked like his old self in his first game back from injury last year.
https://youtu.be/eVN3-szN2BM
1. Dec. 25: Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat
There’s nothing more here to say. LeBron returns to Miami.
