2010-2011 NBA Schedule Released

(Kevin Durant (left) and Derrick Rose)

*Please don't panic! I am aware the above picture is not of the Miami Heat!*

The full 2010-2011 NBA schedule was released on Tuesday August 10. Like most fans, I skimmed my favorite teams schedules for games I could not miss.

It's no doubt Toronto, Cleveland, Boston and Orlando fans have Miami dates circled on their calendars.  To be honest, I am one of the many planning a road-trip to see the "Heroic Trio" in action. 

Opening day has Boston hosting the Miami Heat.  With the addition of Shaq to the Celtics, expect the media and sports stations to be drooling for highlights, all while forcing us to listen to Eastern Conference Finals predictions.

But if your favorite team is out west and are not called the Lakers, Miami wins are not worth much more than bragging rights.  But I want to talk about another early season match up on day 2 of the schedule that hardcore fans should not miss.  

On October 27, the Oklahoma Thunder host the Chicago Bulls.  

Oklahoma showed us during the 2010 Playoffs that they can really compete with best. Pushing the Lakers to anything but an easy win in the 1st round of the Western Conference Playoffs.  Kevin Durant, who remains under the radar with an average of 30ppg, was 2008 All Rookie Team, 2008 Rookie of the year, 2010 All NBA 1st Team, an NBA All Star 2010 and 2010 Scoring Champion.  All this since being drafted 2nd overall in 2007.  

Durant gets legitmate help from Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green combining for just over 30ppg on a team that averages 100 points per game. Watching the Thunder play reminds me of the run and gun of the Phoenix Suns a few years back.

Chicago is a team that lost out on the "Lebron-athon" and the chance to get Dwayne Wade, but wound up with a piece I believe leaves them better off; Forward Carlos Boozer.  The Bulls made the playoffs the last 2 years putting up a good fight during both 1st round series. Falling short to the Celtics in 7 games, and the Cavaliers last spring.  Even thought they struggled a bit towards the end of last season, it was clear this team is moving in the right direction.

2008 1st Overall pick  Point Gaurd Derrick Rose, who won Rookie of the Year and made the 2008 All Rookie Team, scores on average 26ppg and hands out 7 assists.  Not far behind is Luol Deng and Joakim Noah chipping in just under 35 points on a team that socres about 100 points per game themselves.

With the big body of Carlos Boozer who averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds per game in Utah, you got yourself a pretty strong team.

Let's be honest. stats alone cannot predict exciting games.  

If you have watched either team play, you know they are 2 young hungry teams with a lot still to prove, both of which demand and deserve respect.  The Bulls and The Thunder are energetic and passionate, making this a perfect match up.  Not to mention the Oklahoma City Thunder home crowd was the most impressive of all Playoff teams last year is something worthy of note, which will only add to the atmosphere.

I truly believe after the opening day "Media Orgy" on Oct. 26, this is the best quality game to take place (Oct. 27).