The NBA schedule announcement was highly anticipated. Adam Silver had even said it was delayed while waiting to see which team LeBron James would play for, who ultimately signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Now, thanks to the always well-informed Shams Charania, we know the matchups for opening night. There won't be just two games, as is traditional, but three:
October 20th at 9:00 CET: Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics
October 21st at 1:00 CET: New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers
October 21st at 3:30 CET: San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder
No real surprise there. The Knicks, crowned champions in June, were always likely to receive their rings against the 76ers, who have been strengthened by LeBron as well as Jaylen Brown, and look set to be their main rivals in the East.
The showdown between the Spurs and the Thunder was thrilling in last May's Western Conference Finals. The series went the full seven games, with San Antonio defeating the defending champions on their own court. This will be a chance for Victor Wembanyama, a clear MVP contender this season, to make an early statement against the two-time reigning trophy holder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The new twist is the addition of a third game on opening night. It will be played in the afternoon in the US, and thus in the evening in Europe. Pistons vs Celtics, two clear contenders in what promises to be a fascinating Eastern Conference, a great way to launch the season.
We also know the Christmas Day matchups, always a special moment in the season.
Christmas Day fixtures
December 25th at 18:00 CET: New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs
December 25th at 20:30 CET: Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat
December 25th at 23:00 CET: Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers
December 26th at 2:00 CET: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder
December 26th at 4:30 CET: Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets
A Finals rematch at Madison Square Garden, LeBron James returning to Los Angeles, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokic… A Christmas Day packed with stars. We're still waiting for the full schedule, but the early signs are promising and suggest a great season ahead.