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2012 NBA schedule: Lakers, Clippers open the regular season

The Lakers kick things off opening night against the Dallas Mavericks before heading up to the Rose City to take on the Trail Blazers. The Clippers open the season on Halloween facing off against the Memphis Grizzles.

Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

The NBA season kicks off tomorrow with a couple of big games, including a rematch of last years' Eastern Conference Finals. The Boston Celtics and defending champion Miami Heat tip off Tuesday night. Expect this game to be an contentious one as former Celtic Ray Allen makes his debut for the Heat. Miami also added Rashard Lewis to the mix as they look to make their path to a second consecutive championship a little easier. Then the focus shifts to the West coast and the Staples Center as the Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers will debut Steve Nash and Dwight Howard against a Mavericks squad struggling with injuries to Dirk Nowitzki, who is recovering from knee surgery, and Chris Kaman. It means the newly acquired Eddy Curry will have to step up for the Mavericks against the Lakers.

The Clippers start the 2012-2013 campaign on Halloween against the team they took to seven games in the opening round of the playoffs last year, the Memphis Grizzles.

Tuesday, Oct. 30th:

Washington Wizards at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:00 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

John Wall and Kyrie Irving square off in a game featuring teams that won a combined 41 games last season.

Boston Celtics at Miami Heat, 8:00 p.m. ET, TNT

The Heat start the 2012-2013 looking to take down the same team they beat in last years conference finals.

Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

The first test for the revamped Lakers is getting past a limping Mavericks squad.

Wednesday, Oct. 31st:

Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers, 7:00 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

Two teams looking to build off low-seeded playoff appearances from a year ago.

Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors, 7:00 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

Indiana looks to continue their surprising success from a season ago.

Houston Rockets at Detroit Pistons, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

Can the newly acquired James Harden and Jeremy Lin breathe life into a team that missed the playoffs by two games last year?

San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Hornets, 8:00 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

The Spurs should have no problems opening their season against the Western Conference's worst team in 2011-2012.

Sacramento Kings at Chicago Bulls, 8:00 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

Amid swirling speculation about the team's future, can they focus and get a win over the reigning Eastern Conference Champions?

Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz, 9:00 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

Two teams with an identical record a year ago but the Mavericks will be playing their second game in as many days.

Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns, 10:00 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

Can the Suns be successful without Steve Nash for the first time in eight seasons?

Los Angeles Lakers at Portland Trail Blazers, 10:30 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

Portland lost seven straight to end their season and playoff hopes in 2011-2012.

Memphis Grizzles at Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

Can the Grizzles avenge an opening round playoff loss to the Clippers from a year ago?

Thursday, Nov. 1st:

New York Knicks at Brooklyn Nets, 7:00 p.m. ET, TNT

The Nets christen the new Barclays Center with a game over their Manhattan rivals.

Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT

The Thunder will look to take care of business without James Harden against their Western Conference Finals opponent from a year ago.