NBA Releases 2007-08 Schedule

The NBA released its 2007-08 schedule today, and highlights 10 key games to watch this season. Here's my look at the ten dates they chose to mark down on your calendars.

October 30 - The Rings and the Rookie
Portland @ San Antonio, 8 p.m. ET, TNT
Houston @ LA Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

A great opening night contest with the Spurs receiving their championship rings and Greg Oden the highly touted rookie debuts against Tim Duncan. Definitely worth watching. Followed by a nightcap of Kobe and the Lakers vs. T-Mac, Yao and Steve Francis in a Rockets uniform again.

October 31 - KD, meet AI
Dallas @ Cleveland, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Seattle @ Denver, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Dallas vs Cleveland was my predicted Finals matchup last year, but Golden State spoiled that notion. This should make for a great Halloween night matchup, followed by Kevin Durant and the Sonics taking on Melo, AI and the Nuggets.

November 2 - The New Big Three
Washington @ Boston, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

The new big 3 of Boston in KG, Allen and Pierce (who stated he feels like a rookie again) taking on the big 3 of Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison.

November 8 - Not a Good Match
Dallas @ Golden State, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

Most likely considered a game where the Mavs should or could extract revenge. Golden State bounced them from the first round of the playoffs in a season where the Mavs were considered championship caliber.

December 6 - Date With a Showman
Miami @ Portland, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

The legendary Shaq takes on the newcomer Oden. Nuff said.

Monday, December 17 - Rematch
Phoenix @ San Antonio, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV

A rematch of the playoff series here. And no Tim Donaghy will not be calling the game. :)

Wednesday, December 19 - Recipe for a Classic
Phoenix @ Dallas, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Phoenix vs Dallas has always provided some classic games with tons of scoring and back and forth lead changes. You also have the past 2 MVP award winners and good buddies, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitski.

December 25 - A New Holiday Tradition
Miami @ Cleveland, 2:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Phoenix @ LA Lakers, 5 p.m. ET, ABC
Seattle @ Portland, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

Great Christmas gift for basketball fans, a triple header. Not only that but you get Kobe, D-Wade, Shaq, Lebron, Nash, Amare, and then Kevin Durant vs. Greg Oden.

February 8 - The Return of the Big Ticket
Boston @ Minnesota, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

KG makes his only return of the season to face his old team, the T-Wolves.

March 19 - The Answer Comes Back
Denver @ Philadelphia, 7 p.m. ET, League Pass

AI finally makes a return to Philly, where he and the Nuggets should most likely roll over the Sixers.