NBA Schedule 2017-18: 5 best games of the season

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 2: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2016 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photos by Chris Covatta/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 12: Kyrie Irving /

4. Cavaliers at Warriors — Dec. 25

The holiday slate of games looks awfully promising again this season, with the Warriors and Cavaliers occupying the second spot of the five games. These teams, which have met in the Finals each of the past three years, produced an instant classic last Christmas, as the Cavaliers utilized a strong fourth-quarter performance to squeak by the Warriors, 109-108. In the home victory, Cleveland got a combined 76 points from LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, allowing it to overcome Kevin Durant’s efficient 36-point night.

Of course, in Oakland, less than a month later, the Warriors got their revenge with a blowout game that seemingly ended soon after it began. When it came time for the two to meet again in the postseason, the Warriors handled the Cavaliers in five games, although the series occasionally looked much more competitive than the series count would suggest.

Champions in two of the last three seasons with much of their roster back, the Warriors come into the season with a great deal of continuity. By contrast, the Cavaliers approach the season with many question marks looming around the team. General manager David Griffin has been replaced by 34-year-old Koby Altman, and Cavaliers star Irving has adamantly voiced his desire to be traded away from the franchise. If Irving is traded elsewhere and, if so, for whom, will go a long way toward shaping what kind of roster the Warriors will be facing in this matchup. Regardless, there’s a strong likelihood that emotions will be raw with both teams’ effort ramped up particularly high for a December affair.

Next: 3. Celtics at Wizards -- Feb. 8

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