What’s up, GF2 fans! I know we still have a few months left before we can really get excited about some NBA action but with the schedule out it’s got me, a bit intrigued already. We’re coming off one of the most exciting seasons in NBA history and I can’t wait to see if that can be replicated. From the Warriors breaking the Bulls single season win record to the Cavaliers epic comeback in the NBA Finals, there were a ton of events that blew our minds.
So, what can we expect to happen in the 2016-17 season? Well, I’m no fortune teller but by looking at the schedule I see plenty of intense matchups coming to our televisions for this season. Obviously, we all can’t wait to see how Kevin Durant meshes with his new team and whether or not King James and his court can defend their crown in 2017. So, let’s take a look at five intriguing matchups for the upcoming NBA season.
1. Warriors @ Thunder, February 11, 8:30 P.M. ET
If this matchup doesn’t get you guys excited, then I don’t know what will. Unless you live under a rock you already know that Kevin Durant left his team in Oklahoma City to join the Warriors this offseason. This move obviously crippled Thunder fans and made Golden state supporters the happiest people on the planet. This game won’t be the first meeting between the two teams next year but it will be the first time Durant returns to OKC. I’m very interested to see not only how well Durant will fit in with the Splash Brothers but also how Russell Westbrook manages an entire season without his wingman. This game should be full of intense action and emotions from the opening tip, so get your popcorn ready!
2. Warriors vs. Cavaliers, December 25, 2:30 P.M. ET
Christmas day games are always a good time and what better one to get to watch than an NBA Finals rematch. Well, this contest will be the two teams first meeting since the Cavs epic comeback in the Finals, so there will be plenty of emotions let out. If I was a betting man, I’d say that this will once again be a preview of next season’s NBA Finals, which wouldn’t hurt my feelings one bit. These two squads are quickly building a rivalry that should bring us some beautiful action for years to come, so tune in!
3. Bulls @ Heat, November 10, 8:00 P.M. ET
Like Durant, Dwyane Wade will find himself in enemy territory for the 2016-17 NBA season. Well, for Wade he’s making a trip back home to Chicago where it’s been a lifelong dream for him to play. This game will be his first trip back to Miami where he’ll face off against some of his closest friends and is destined to be a special evening. I for one am a lifelong Chicago Bulls fan, so I’m pumped to get to watch D-Wade put on that Bulls uniform and go to battle with the Heat.
4. Knicks @ Bulls, November 4, 8:00 P.M. ET
Like the game I mentioned before, this one is intriguing due to old faces playing in new places. Both Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah have spent their careers with the Bulls franchise and both made their way to New York this offseason. Both of these guys have been staples of the Chicago community over the years and it’s going to be super weird to see them putting on Knicks colors this season. I expect a warm welcome for both guys with plenty of emotions to be shown, so it should be a fun one.
5. 76ers vs. Lakers, December 16, 8:00 P.M. ET
I know, I know it’s going to be tough to be overly hyped about this game but a small part of me is excited. It’ll be the first meeting between two potential rookie sensations in Brandon Ingram and Ben Simmons. Hopefully, both young studs live up to the hype and make this a somewhat meaningful season for their fans. There are other great games on the schedule such as the Spurs vs. Warriors first game but this one just seems special to me. We could all be witnessing the dawning of a new era in the NBA, so get ready for this contest.
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