On October 29, the wait will be over as the best basketball league in the world resumes with a full season of great games coming our way.
The offseason has done its share in setting us up for another exhilarating NBA season. From Dwight Howard choosing to leave glitzy Hollywood for Houston to the blockbuster trade involving the Nets and Celtics, the 2013-2014 NBA has a ton of intrigue surrounding it.
10 Must-Watch Games of the 2013/2014 NBA Season:
1. Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat, October 29, 2013
This game marks the much-awaited return of Derrick Rose to the Bulls’ roster after getting sidelined for all of 2012-13 with an ACL injury. Without a doubt, Chicago is clearly a better team with Rose back in the Bulls’ fold but the question still hangs around: Is D-Rose the same explosive, cat-quick, athletic freak player that he was before getting injured?
Providing an early test not only for Rose but for the entire Bulls is their upcoming collision with the defending champions, Miami Heat. Expect this game to be as good as advertised. The Heat ousted Chicago in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals, 4-1.
2. Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, November 27, 2013
Three years have passed since the much publicized departure of LeBron James from Cleveland, but expect emotions to run high again when The King returns to Cleveland – this time, carrying with him another loaded issue: will James will be a Cavalier again given that he is headed to free agency at the end of the season?
The Cavs parade an improved roster that received a significant boost in the offseason with the acquisition of Andrew Bynum and Anthony Bennett, the No.1 overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft.
3. Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks, December 5, 2013
Kevin Garnett and Carmelo Anthony cross each other’s paths again, but this time KG is playing for Anthony’s Knicks rival, the Nets. Remember that fracas they had last season? Expect this new meeting to be much less sweeter than Honey Nut Cheerios as both rivals boast rosters that should be very competitive.
Mikhail Prokhorov wants an NBA championship trophy on his office desk by the end of the 2013-14 season. That’s why he willingly opened his wallet to Nets GM Billy King, who then spent volumes of cash to acquire Garnett and Paul Pierce. Meanwhile, the Knicks also fiddled with their roster getting Andrea Bargnani and Metta World Peace.
4. Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers, December 10, 2013
The Pacers were a win away from pulling off a monumental upset in last season’s Eastern Conference finals when they had the Miami Heat on the ropes. In this meeting, it looks to be a testier affair for the defending champs as Indiana made sound changes to their roster, starting off with the addition of Luis Scola, C.J. Watson, and Chris Copeland — plus the return of Danny Granger, whose absence paved the way for Paul George’s breakout 2012-13 season. As for the Heat, their core of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh would love to prove that none of Indiana’s offseason tinkering matters, as far as winning this ball game is concerned.
5. Los Angeles Clippers vs. Boston Celtics, December 11, 2013
Doc Rivers has been a common sight in TD Garden for the last nine seasons and he will still be in this game, the only difference being that he’s now coaching another team as his Clippers go up against host Boston.
How the crowd receives him and the overall atmosphere inside the arena is something to watch out for as it has never been a secret that Rivers’ exit wasn’t a smooth one. Will Celtics loyalists jeer or cheer their former coach? [sc:NBA240banner ]
6. Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors, December 25, 2013
Without a doubt, this game will be as explosive as any in 2013. This Christmas Day altercation pits two of the league’s most dynamic point guards against each other in Chris Paul and Stephen Curry. The Clippers are under a new coach in Doc Rivers and are bringing in a new look roster which includes offseason pick-ups J.J. Redick and Darren Collison.
The same goes for the Warriors, who added Andre Iguodala and Jermaine O’Neal to their lineup. This is projected to be a high-scoring, fast paced game that shouldn’t bore anyone.
7. Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers, December 25, 2013
People will flock to a Lakers ballgame on Christmas day no matter who they’re playing. But David Stern isn’t taking this for granted. This time around the holiday is graced with a Heat-Lakers match-up. If Kobe Bryant is there to square-off against the triumvirate of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, this should be a classic. A good showing by Bryant, despite his age and after his recovery from a serious injury would only add to his legacy.
8. Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics, January 26, 2014
TD Garden will feature an unusual sight on January 26 when Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce make their first appearance in Boston donning new jerseys. They’re two players who have reached legendary status in the pantheon of Celtics hoops and the reception of the Boston crowd will be something worth watching.
9. San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat, January 26, 2014
Ray Allen’s game-saving trey in Game 6 of last season’s NBA finals is still fresh in the memories of the Spurs. Tim Duncan and crew want that demon exorcised. They have the opportunity to get a measure of revenge against the Miami Heat when they head to American Airlines Arena for the first time this season.
10. Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers, February 19, 2014
Dwight Howard joined the Los Angeles Lakers last season, catapulting the team to the level of heavy favorites to win an NBA title. As it turned out, Howard’s time at Staples Center was spent mostly discovering new ways to alienate the fanbase. His return will be met by a boisterous crowd that will surely let him have it. Howard’s former teammates, who were also part of his post-Laker tirades, won’t give him special treatment — especially Kobe.
