New NBA Schedule Released: Celtics-Lakers to Rematch Christmas Day

The Boston Celtics will defend their NBA title on Opening night against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics and Lakers will meet up in a Finals Rematch on Christmas Day.

The day after, Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley will face each other as the Chicago Bulls travel to Miami.

On November 5th, Larry Brown heads back to Madison Square Garden, as the New York Knicks will face the Charlotte Bobcats.

On December 15th, New York Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni heads back to Phoenix to play the Suns.

On January 25, Baron Davis heads back to Golden State, this time as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Rick Carlisle, Mike D'Antoni Reportedly Coaching New Teams Next Season

Rick Carlsile will reportedly be the next coach of the Mavericks, while Mike D'Antoni will repotredly coach the New York Knicks.

From the AP:

"Rick Carlisle will be the new coach of the Dallas Mavericks, a decision expected for nearly a week but slowed by contract negotiations.

The papers aren’t signed yet, but team owner Mark Cuban confirmed in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Friday night that a verbal deal is in place"

This From ESPN.Com:

"The New York Knicks have agreed in principle with Mike D'Antoni to become the next coach, the team said Saturday. A news conference will be scheduled upon the completion of the contract.

The former Phoenix Suns coach, who was also sought by the Chicago Bulls, has accepted a four-year, $24 million deal to take over the Knicks. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reported Saturday morning the terms of the contract, which will make D'Antoni the league's third-highest-paid coach based on annual salary."

The heat for the Suns trading away Shawn Marion for Shaq was too much for D'Antoni, so he reportedly has left the Suns Kitchen. Rick Carlisle is a coach who took both Detroit and Indiana into the playoffs, and he will be expected to do the same for the Mavericks.