The NBA schedule dropped late last week revealing key matchups, which led to analytical takes starting to surface throughout social media. This team has the most back-to-back games. This team has the longest amount of miles to travel throughout the season. Basically, the NBA schedule shows a lot, but most importantly, that the NBA season is around the corner.
While the release of the NBA schedule usually results in a random number of biased takes, most of them made by the team’s hometown blogs, sometimes it serves as a look into the future for many NBA fans on what games they should be want to watch. Teams that have marquee superstar talent, high-profile teams, and established rivalries jump off the calendar. Well, this year’s NBA schedule reveals a couple of games that any fan would enjoy. Here are the three that I will personally watch.
Games to Watch From This Year’s NBA Schedule
Philadelphia 76ers @ Denver Nuggets – Nov 18 @ 9 PM EST
While this may appear a bit bias, hear me out. Nikola Jokic won the NBA MVP award this past season. Joel Embiid finished in second place. Many people are still discrediting Jokic’s MVP season, saying that Embiid rightfully deserved the award, he just could not stay healthy. While the results of the award are solidified, a “best in the league” face-off is just what the NBA needs to address the center debate.
Imagine Jokic (the most gifted passer and best true inside game the NBA has today) coming in and having to attack arguably the NBA’s best interior defender in Embiid. Will Jokic’s superior offense be able to shine against Embiid, or will Embiid be able to shut the Joker down on both ends of the court? Sounds like PR heaven and marketing galore, especially for those who need to entice people to tune into out-of-market games.
All in all, Embiid and Jokic are both phenomenal at their position. Rightfully number one and number two, but consistently jockeying back and forth for the top spot. While this matchup will not fully determine who is the best center in the NBA, a 2021 matchup could help solidify the pecking order.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets – Christmas Day 8 PM EST
The NBA schedule tossed the public a bone with a Los Angeles Lakers/Brooklyn Nets primetime game on Christmas Day. After a long day of celebration and giving, the public gets to sit down, put their feet up, and watch a game that consists of more superstars than an NBA All-Star team. The Lakers feature LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook, while the Nets start a lineup that consists of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. Even below-average NBA fans will be able to follow along in this game.
Outside of the pure star power of this game, the game should be highly competitive. Both the Lakers and the Nets are preseason favorites to represent their conference in next year’s NBA finals. So, this game will have even more riding on it, as it’s the battle of the coasts. Practically the reincarnation of the Tupac/Biggie rivalry, just on the basketball court.
Whether you plan on watching the full five-game slate on Christmas Day, or just one game, you should highly consider tuning into this matchup.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Phoenix Suns – Feb 10 @ 10 PM EST
A Finals rematch is always a great game to sit down and watch. Giannis Antetokounmpo versus Devin Booker and Chris Paul, you are bound to see almost everything that is great about the game of basketball.
You are going to see stout defense alongside crisp, fundamental offense. However, you are bound to see freak athleticism and high-volume shooting between both sides.
Frankly, this matchup could very well turn into a great rivalry moving forward. Phoenix blowing a two games to zero lead in the Finals is definitely going to be the fuel for this team. However, the Bucks are not going to want to give up the title by any means. Hopefully, this game lives up to last year’s Finals, but either way, it should be a great game!
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images