Basketball fans rejoice! The NBA season is just around the corner, and this year’s schedule is packed with thrilling matchups and key dates that promise to deliver excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, we’ve rounded up the must-watch NBA games and important dates that should be circled on every basketball enthusiast’s calendar.
1. Opening Night (October 19, 2021)
The wait is finally over! The season kicks off with a bang as the reigning champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, take on their Eastern Conference rivals, the Brooklyn Nets. Expect an intense battle between two powerhouses, showcasing some of the league’s biggest stars, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant.
2. Christmas Day (December 25, 2021)
As tradition dictates, the NBA once again presents a gift to fans on Christmas Day with a lineup of highly anticipated games. From coast to coast, there’s something for everyone. The marquee matchup this year is a titanic clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets, potentially featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. Without a doubt, this game will be a present worth unwrapping.
3. Lakers vs. Nets (February 3, 2022)
The NBA schedule-makers must have known how much fans wanted to see the star-studded showdown between the Lakers and the Nets because they scheduled another thrilling matchup between the two powerhouses. With the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and James Harden on the court, expect a high-scoring affair that could have playoff implications.
4. Rivalry Renewed – Lakers vs. Celtics (February 15, 2022)
Few matchups in basketball history can rival the intensity and history behind the Lakers-Celtics rivalry. Whether it’s in Boston or Los Angeles, this game always brings out the best in both teams. Two of the most successful franchises in NBA history, the Lakers and Celtics, never fail to deliver a riveting and emotionally charged duel.
5. NBA All-Star Weekend (February 18-20, 2022)
The NBA All-Star Weekend is an annual celebration of basketball, entertainment, and pure spectacle. From the Slam Dunk Contest to the Three-Point Contest and, of course, the All-Star Game itself, this weekend is jam-packed with excitement. Fans will get the chance to see the league’s elite players compete and put on a show like no other.
6. Nets vs. Warriors (March 12, 2022)
A clash between two electrifying offenses led by superstars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant is always appointment viewing. The Golden State Warriors and the Brooklyn Nets boast potent scoring threats and have the potential to light up the scoreboard. Expect a thrilling shootout between two high-octane teams as they battle for supremacy.
7. LeBron’s Return to Cleveland (April 17, 2022)
The return of an NBA legend is an emotional event, and LeBron James making his way back to Cleveland, where he won his first NBA championship, will surely tug at the heartstrings of basketball fans everywhere. The atmosphere will be electric as LeBron faces his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, providing an emotional farewell and a reminder of the lasting impact James has had on the city.
8. Regular Season Finale (April 10, 2022)
The regular season comes to a close, setting the stage for the highly anticipated NBA playoffs. This date could be crucial for playoff seeding and last-minute battles for spots in the postseason. With teams fighting tooth and nail for their playoff lives, expect intense, down-to-the-wire games that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.
The NBA season is a rollercoaster of thrilling moments and unforgettable matchups. With a calendar chock-full of must-watch games and key dates, be sure to circle these on your calendar and clear your schedule to witness the drama, excitement, and joy that basketball brings. Get ready for a wild ride through the 2021-2022 NBA season – it’s going to be one for the history books!