Despite lockout, NBA releases 2011-2012 season schedule

Even with a lockout and players leaving for jobs abroad, the NBA released a full schedule for the 2011-2012 season. The league will open with two solid matches on November 1, with the Dallas Mavericks hosting Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls while the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. On November 2, a total of 26 teams will be playing, including the New York Knicks who will be hosting the Miami Heat, and the Boston Celtics playing at home against the re-tooled Cleveland Cavaliers. Christmas day will showcase a 2011 Finals rematch when the Heat visit the Mavericks. The Celtics visit the Knicks and Lakers host the Bulls also on the same day. Fans would have to wait until 2012 to see the Eastern Conference Finals rematch as the Bulls visit the Heat in Miami on January 19 for their first meeting this season. All 30 teams will be playing on April 18, the last day of the regular season. Notable matches on the last day include the Orlando Magic playing the Celtics at Boston Garden and the Lakers visiting Denver to play the Nuggets. The Bulls will be traveling to New Jersey to face the Nets who might be playing without Deron Williams and Sasha Vujacic. - RAF/JVP, GMA News