This week, the NBA released its season schedule. At long last, basketball fans can plan their schedules around their favorite teams. Since your favorite team is probably the hometown Mavericks (otherwise why would you be reading this?), here are 10 home games that you need to circle on your calendar for the upcoming season.
Friday, October 28 vs. Houston Rockets
This is the home opener for Dallas and it comes against an in-state rival. The Rockets retooled significantly this summer. They lost center Dwight Howard, once coveted by the Mavs, to the Atlanta Hawks. They added Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, and Nene. They also hired Mike D’Antoni, of seven-seconds-or-less fame in Phoenix, as their new head coach. The Rockets offense, still centered on James Harden, will likely be one of the highest scoring in the league. This one could be a shootout.
Friday, November 18 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Our old friend Chandler Parsons makes his return to Dallas. Parsons wanted to stay on the Mavs, but the team had other ideas. I know that many fans wanted to see him go as well. Y’all are crazy. Don’t come crying to me when he plays well all season. I’m curious to see how the crowd reacts to his return. He didn’t burn any bridges like Rondo, after all.
Wednesday, November 23 vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Still mad at DeAndre Jordan for spurning the Mavs last summer? You need to get a hobby. Nonetheless, here’s your chance to boo him to your heart’s content. Just know that at this point he’ll probably have a gold medal under his belt after playing in Rio for the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team. Are you sure you really want to boo someone who won a gold medal for the country?
Wednesday, November 30 vs. San Antonio Spurs
This is the first time the dastardly Spurs come to Dallas. It will be the first time the team travels to Big D without Tim Duncan as a member of the team since 1997. Frankly, after all the distress and heartbreak he caused Mavs fans over the years, I’m happy he retired. The Spurs did add Pau Gasol and will probably be one of the best in the league. Again. Ugh.
Saturday, December 3 vs. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls may have lost both Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah to the Knicks, but they added two players that Mavs fans love to hate: Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. I’m not sure how good the Bulls will be this season. On paper they kind of look like a mess in terms of floor spacing. None of the Bulls star players -- Wade, Rondo, and Jimmy Butler -- are great at shooting 3s. But hey, you can go and heckle all you want.
Sunday, January 15 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
I don’t know how good the Wolves will be this season. Some people think they could make a push to make the playoffs. I’m not that optimistic. However, this is THE best young team in the league. Lead by last season’s Rookie of the Year, Karl Anthony-Townes, Minny has a stacked roster. They have Andrew Wiggins and Zach Lavine on the wings, and a heady point guard in Ricky Rubio. Now that Tom Thibodeau is the coach, you can expect more focus on the defensive end. This is a fun team.
Monday, January 30 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s the reigning NBA champs. It’s LeBron. It’s Kyrie. Do you really need to know anything else?
Monday, February 13 vs. Boston Celtics
Boston added All-Star center Al Horford this summer to play alongside Isaiah Thomas. The Celtics think they have what it takes to challenge the Cavaliers this season. Time will tell. Nonetheless, they’ll be a top team in the league.
Tuesday, March 21 vs. Golden State Warriors
This is the Warriors’ only trip to Dallas this season. Therefore, tickets are going to go fast for this one. Get them as soon as you can. You know you want to be at this game. I mean, they added Kevin Durant to an already insane roster. You can’t miss this one. Besides, all the kids love Steph Curry these days.
Tuesday, April 11 vs. Denver Nuggets
This is the last home game of the season. While I expect the Mavs to make the playoffs, there are still no guarantees. The Nuggets are a good young team featuring Dallas’ Emmanuel Mudiay and second-year center Nikola Jokic. You may not be familiar with him but he’ll be a force in the league for a while once he develops.
There you have it. Plan your season wisely.
