The NBA schedule release for the 2019-20 season is around the corner. NBA Free Agency has reshaped the landscape of the league in a dawning of a new era. There are some potential marquee matchups that would make for interesting headlines.
The NBA has begun an entirely new era after free agency. The superteam era is over while the title race is wide open. With competition evenly spread out, NBA fans will be treated to great matchups year-round. As 40 percent of the league changed teams this summer, different stories and headlines are to be made especially with the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, and others moving teams.
Blockbuster Scheduling Opportunities for the 2019-20 NBA Season
Los Angeles Clippers @ Toronto Raptors; Opening Night
Kawhi Leonard comes back to Toronto. After Leonard brought the Toronto Raptors their first championship, he will for sure get a warm reception from the fans. It was a risk worth taking for Masai Ujiri and the Raptors when they traded for the two-time Finals MVP; now, they get to raise their banner while their superstar watches from the other team.
There will be nothing but gratitude for Leonard on opening night from the Raptors. Him getting his championship ring and opening the season against his former teammates? The game will be ratings galore for the NBA on opening night.
Los Angeles Lakers @ Los Angeles Clippers; Christmas Day
This is possibly the first time both the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers are relevant at the same time. The “Battle of L.A.” is bound to have fireworks as both will play each other four times this year. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have a case for the best duo in the league talent-wise with the Lakers. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will then have to also prove their worth of being the best two-way duo in the league. It is evident that L.A. is still tilted towards the Lakers, however, a power shift may happen with the duos battling it out this season.
With both teams playing in the same arena, no travel is needed which is a great setup for a great Christmas game.
Brooklyn Nets @ Boston Celtics; MLK Day
After Kyrie Irving told the TD Garden faithful he will re-sign this off-season, there was no indication of that happening after their second-round exit. Locker room issues, chemistry problems, and injuries marred Irving’s Boston Celtic tenure, thus his return to Boston will not be pretty.
The Celtics have a consolation prize though in Kemba Walker. Comparing last year’s team to this one on paper though, it is a big drop off from supposed yearly championship contenders.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Los Angeles Lakers; Opening Night
Anthony Davis facing his former team for the first time. 2019 first overall pick, Zion Williamson against LeBron James in his first professional game. Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart returning to L.A. but in the opposing locker room. This first game is one the NBA should capitalize upon for rating sakes.
Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Russell Westbrook returns for the first time to Oklahoma City after 10 years with the team. A warm reception will be expected from the Oklahoma City Thunder faithful. It is also an opportunity for Chris Paul to face his former team after being traded away from a championship contender.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Philadelphia 76ers
The NBA MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo together with Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez face Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Al Horford, and Tobias Harris in a possible Eastern Conference finals preview. The reigning number one team in the league faces a reloaded Philadelphia 76ers team who will be competing with each other for playoff seeding all season.
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