The 10 Most Exciting Home Games of the Year

The NBA released the 2008-09 schedule today. Like any real NBA nerd, I had to go ahead and browse the Grizzlies schedule to start marking my calendar. The following 10 home games are the ones I’m most excited about.

1. Grizzlies vs. Orlando, Friday, October 31
The home opener is always a blast. This year it’s a special treat (pun intended) as opening night occurs on Halloween, with special guests Superman (Dwight Howard) and Casper (J. J. Redick).

2. Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City, Saturday, November 29
It’ll be my first look at the new Oklahoma City franchise. It’ll also be another chance to see Robert Swift in person. That’s always one of my favorite days.

3. Grizzlies vs. Houston, Monday, December 8
It’s the ultimate bad boy (Ron Artest) and the quintessential good guy (Shane Battier) on the same team. Oh yeah, and two of the most injury prone All-Stars as well (Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady). Good times!

4. Grizzlies vs. Chicago and Miami, weekend of Dec. 12-14.
Back-to-back home games on a Friday and Sunday with Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley. Maybe the Tigers can throw a game in between on Saturday, or possibly a John Tesh concert can be added, and I can just camp out at FedExForum all weekend.

5. Grizzlies vs. LA Lakers, Monday, December 22
The return of Pau Gasol to FedExForum. I can’t wait to see the fan reaction during the starting lineups. Also, the chance to see Gasol vs. Gasol.

6. Grizzlies vs. Phoenix, Tuesday, December 30
The Suns game is always a highlight. I love watching Mike D’Antoni’s system being run to perfection by Nash, Stoudemire and Marion. Oh wait, no more D’Antoni, no more Marion, add Shaq. Nevermind.

7. Grizzlies vs. Minnesota, Tuesday, January 6
Grizzlies fans first chance to see long-time Grizzlie Mike Miller, and Grizzlie-for-a-second Kevin Love. The real question is whether the guy with the BC sign will make an appearance.

8. Grizzlies vs. New Jersey, Saturday, January 24
CDR.

9. Grizzlies vs. Philadelphia, Saturday, March 7
I’m interested to see if Philly is going to be as good as everyone says. By March 7, this team will either be a major player in the Eastern Conference or a major disappointment. There’s no in between.

10. Grizzlies vs. Boston, Saturday, March 21
My only chance to hate on the Celtics and all of their fair-weather fans. Let’s hope it turns out better than last year.

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