It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the defending Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers play a league-maximum 25 nationally-televised games next season. The Cavaliers figure to be appointment TV once again as LeBron James tries to build enough regular-season momentum to help his team break the city of Cleveland’s half-century long title drought in the playoffs. Here’s 10 can’t-miss matchups.
Oct. 27 at Chicago – The Cavs kick off their revenge campaign with a team in Chicago that will be seeking some vengeance of its own for Cleveland ousting it from the postseason’s second round.
Oct. 30 vs Miami – Last season the Cavs-Heat games were intriguing because of the newness of James going up against his former teammates. This season, the matchup should take on a whole other meaning with the revamped Heat figuring to be one of three or four teams vying with Cleveland for the East’s top seed.
Nov. 8 vs Indiana – The Pacers played the Cavs as well as anyone during the regular season last year. And that was without Paul George. Let’s see what happens with George and Monta Ellis running the show for Indy.
Nov. 13 at New York – LeBron James at Madison Square Garden. Enough said.
Dec. 4 at New Orleans – James enters the year still pretty much universally considered the greatest player in the game. But how long will it be until Anthony Davis takes that title from him?
Dec. 25 at Golden State – This Finals rematch is a little juicier considering that the Cavs played without Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving and still gave the Warriors a run for their money. This should help satiate the “What if?” questions about a Finals that featured Love and Irving in uniform for the duration.
Jan. 23 vs Chicago – The Cavs will play in the inaugural ABC Saturday night game as they bring the Bulls to their turf.
Jan. 30 vs. San Antonio – Irving dropped 57 points on San Antonio last season and this game also could be a Finals preview.
Feb. 21 at Oklahoma City – Cleveland goes to Thunder Town and, barring injuries, the fans get to see the Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James matchup that they were robbed of last season.
March 10 at L.A. Lakers– Could be the last time James and Kobe Bryant go at it. Ratings bonanza.
