The NBA released the eagerly-awaited 2022-2023 schedule on Wednesday, including the first-ever Rivals Week.
In addition to the usual marquee matchups on Opening Night, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and games in Mexico and Paris, the league is debuting NBA Rivals Week.
From Tuesday, January 24 through Saturday, January 28, the league has scheduled games between classic and budding competitors to be broadcast on TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV.
Matchups
Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
Celtics Lead 92-67
This rivalry started when 2008 champs Boston’s Big 3 of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen took on the new Big 3 in Miami, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
The Heat would steal Allen from the Cs and end up winning a title against the Spurs thanks to the sharpshooter.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Lakers Lead 150-81
This rivalary has pretty much been in name only, but with the Clips growing star power in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and rise in standings, the battle for LA has become a toss-up.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
Golden State Leads 59-53
This matchup is on everyone’s radar after their hotly contested playoff series last season, with each team accusing the other of “breaking the code.”
Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets
Bulls Lead 83-47
In the battle of the Ball brothers, Chicago may have the all-time record advantage, but time and skill seem to be indicating that younger brother LaMelo will get the best over his older brother ‘Lonzo in the long run.
New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets
In the battle of the Big Apple, it’s “old” versus “new” and “what is” versus “what could have been.”
Many believed Kevin Durant was headed to Madison Square Garden, but he ended up in Brooklyn with Kyrie Irving.
Three seasons later, Durant is trying to flee the Nets for another team.
