The NBA made a pretty big deal about releasing the schedule at 1 PM ET today -- the league even went so far as to fine three teams who leaked their skeds out early. Nevertheless, the full league schedule made its way out at least an hour early ... on the NBA's own website.The season will begin Oct. 27 with four games, two of which -- Boston at Cleveland and Clippers vs. Lakers -- will make up a TNT double-header. The rest of the league will kick off Oct. 28.
For the second straight year, the league will feature five games during its major Christmas Day showcase. ESPN will broadcast Heat-Knicks (what?), Clippers-Suns (ummm...) and Nuggets-Blazers. ABC will give us Celtics-Magic and Cavaliers-Lakers. Three great games, and two ... um, two other games.
The regular season will end April 14, with 28 of the 30 teams in action. Later today, FanHouse will break down which teams will get the most national TV action. I assure you that the Lakers will be at the top of the list.




