Celtics, Heat, Bulls, Mavs, Lakers in lineup for starting day of 66-game season.
Today the NBA announced opening day of the 2011/12 season will be Christmas Day, Dec. 25. The NBA cut no corners either in lining up the biggest franchises in the league. Start with the Boston Celtics vs. old-time rivals the New York Knicks at 12:00 pm ET. Then Lebron James, recently voted the most disliked sports figure, will match up against Dirk Nowitzki and the current reigning champion Dallas Mavericks at 2:30 pm ET.
The day doesn’t end there. At 5:00 pm Eastern the Chicago Bulls will face the Los Angeles Lakers. Bulls’ Derrick Rose says ‘‘This year our goal is nothing else but a championship.’’ At 8:00 pm ET the Orlando Magic will play the Oklahoma City Thunder amidst rumors of a Dwight Howard trade. And, at 10:30 pm ET the Golden State Warriors will host the Los Angeles Clippers — Blake Griffin fans are no doubt delirious.
This will be the 66th season of the NBA. And this year the season is shortened to 66 games. 66 and 66? Hmm. Makes you wonder if commissioner David Stern had something up his sleeve. It’ll be a great day for basketball. So put down the toys Santa got you for a minute and catch a few games!
NBA Schedule for Christmas Day, 2011
- 12:00pm ET Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks (TNT)
- 2:30pm ET Miami @ Dallas Mavericks (ABC)
- 5:00pm ET Chicago Bulls @ Los Angeles Lakers (ABC)
- 8:00pm ET Orlando Magic @ Oklahoma City Thunder (ESPN)
- 10:30pm ET Los Angeles Clippers @ Golden State Warriors (ESPN)
