Now that LeBron James has made his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers, Adam Silver and the NBA office can finalize next season’s NBA schedule.
One assumes the 76ers, James’ new team, will be playing on marquee nights like opening night and Christmas Day.
Which raises an important question: Who will they play on each night?
Let’s get granular with predictions on the national TV schedule:
OPENING WEEK
Opening night (Oct. 20, NBC/Peacock): 76ers at Knicks (ring ceremony) | Thunder at Spurs
I don’t have to explain the whys of the first one, right? Meanwhile, maybe the best rivalry in the league picks up where Game 7 of the West finals last spring left off in the nightcap.
Second opening night (Oct. 21, ESPN/ABC): Heat at Celtics | Timberwolves at Warriors
Giannis Antetokounmpo restarts his chase for another ring after more than a decade in Milwaukee with a matchup against Jayson Tatum and the Celtics, who will be seeking Banner 19 next season. Then, Anthony Edwards and Steph Curry get reacquainted.
Third opening night (Oct. 22, Prime): Wizards at Mavericks | Lakers at Nuggets
The league’s last two number one overall picks, AJ Dybantsa and Cooper Flagg, square off in the first game. Then, Luka Dončić brings the Lakers to the Mile High City against Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets.
CHRISTMAS
Celtics at Knicks: New York’s hosted regularly on Christmas Day since Richie Guerin played for the Knicks.
76ers at Heat: Guess Who’s Coming Home for Roast Beast?
Mavericks at Spurs: Texas Hold ‘Em with Wemby and Coop.
Thunder at Rockets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder square off with Kevin Durant and Company.
Timberwolves at Lakers: A showdown of two of the game’s biggest scorers and personalities.