The NBA schedule is finally taking shape, and with LeBron James' decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers, the league can start finalizing key dates like opening night and Christmas Day. While the opponent for Christmas Day is still up in the air, the most logical matchup for the 76ers on opening night would be against the New York Knicks, the reigning NBA champions. The other game of the two-game opening night slate could be a Western Conference Finals rematch between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. For Christmas Day, the Knicks could face the Boston Celtics, an NBA Finals rematch between the Knicks and Spurs, or a game between the Raptors and Heat. The second slot of the day requires some creativity, and the NBA might consider a different team for this slot if the trade involving Kawhi Leonard gets voided or he gets suspended. The 76ers vs. Cavaliers matchup on Christmas Day would be a perfect homecoming for James. The primetime game of Christmas Day should be Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio, and the final game normally features West Coast teams like the Lakers and Warriors.
