A new sheriff in L.A.?
L.A. Clippers vs. L.A. Lakers, Jan. 14, Jan. 25, April 4: The Clippers traded for Chris Paul and signed seasoned guard Chauncey Billups to pair with rising star Blake Griffin and the often-laughable Clippers not only are now positioned to contend in the Western Conference with defending NBA champ Dallas. They will also put pressure on the famed Lakers to keep control of the L.A. fanbase and the Staples Center, the home of both teams. The Clippers swept both exhibition games from the Lakers. For an added bonus, you can see former UGA teammates and Atlanta-area friends Travis Leslie and Trey Thompkins for the Clippers.
Another unwelcome homecoming
Miami at Cleveland, Feb. 17: LeBron James and the Heat will meet the Cavaliers twice in Miami before the one trip to face James' former home team that will be broadcast regionally or on satellite TV. The Cavs' family and its patriarch, owner Dan Gilbert, were not welcoming a season ago and it doesn't expect to be any warmer or fuzzier this time around. By the time this game rolls around, we'll have a better idea of how No. 1 overall pick Kyrie Irving is performing after playing only 11 games at Duke in his college internship season.
Possible miracle on 32nd Street
Boston Celtics at New York Knicks, Dec. 25, noon, ABC: When the Celtics arrive for the NBA season opener Sunday at Madison Square Garden, grab a look at Georgia Tech rookie Iman Shumpert, the No. 17 pick in June's draft and a possible starter by the time the Knicks arrive at midseason. He's a perfect fit for the Knicks' style of offense and already has gained the confidence of coach Mike D'Antoni.
All eyes on South Florida in April
Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, March 25, April 4, 8 p.m. ESPN: During a summer-league matchup in Baltimore, the Thunder's Kevin Durant, the league's defending scoring champion, put 59 up against the defense of LeBron James, who scored a meager 32. They'll reprise their matchup with different supporting casts in Oklahoma City. And then they'll meet again on April 4 in Miami, a huge day in South Florida as the Miami Marlins open their new home stadium against the world champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Points of renown
Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls, Jan. 11, Jan. 30, April 16: Only the Jan. 30 game will be televised on NBA TV, but it will pit the league's two young rising point guards, John Wall of Washington and Derrick Rose of Chicago, in what should be an entertaining one-on-one, coast-to-coast, length-of-the-floor contest.
Coast to coast
L.A. Clippers at New York Knicks, April 25, 8 p.m., ESPN: In what could look like a summer-league game on the next-to-last day of the regular season, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin bring the show to New York to face the fast-paced Knicks of Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
