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2015-16 NBA schedule: Ranking top 5 games in opening week

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The Association is almost ready to tip off another season, and the opening week of the 2015-16 NBA schedule is packed with intriguing games.

From matchups between title contenders to the ever-entertaining battles between former teammates, it’s easy to find an exciting contest on the slate. And, most importantly for viewers, each of the top-5 tilts are featured on national television.

If you can help it, don’t miss these games.

5. Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

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An outing between LeBron James and his former team will always be captivating, but there’s a little extra substance to this one.

Both Cleveland’s Kevin Love (shoulder) and Miami’s Chris Bosh (blood clot) were unable to finish the 2014-15 campaign, and their absences had a significant negative effect on the respective teams. The Cavaliers lost in the NBA Finals, and the Heat couldn’t quite reach the playoffs.

But both players are ready for action, so the James and Love will challenge Bosh and Dwyane Wade for an early-season statement victory.

When and where to watch: Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN

4. New Orleans Pelicans vs. Golden State Warriors

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It’ll be a special night for the defending champions, since Golden State players will receive their rings and watch a banner ascend to the Oracle Arena rafters. However, Anthony Davis will be there, hoping to spoil the party.

Though New Orleans has encountered an unfortunate string of injuries to key contributors, Davis is a one-man show. In a preseason game against the Orlando Magic, Davis registered 33 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks. Sure, preseason stats don’t mean a lot, but no one puts up those numbers on accident.

The Warriors swept the Pelicans during the opening round of the 2015 postseason, but New Orleans was within eight points in the closing minutes every time out. Perhaps this is the game Davis comes up clutch late and sends Golden State home disappointed.

When and where to watch: Oct. 27 at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT

3. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls

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The first nationally televised game of the year is a big one. LeBron and the Cavaliers travel to take on Jimmy Butler and the Bulls, who have a new coach in Fred Hoiberg.

Despite the changes Hoiberg brought to the team, though, Chicago’s identity is in flux. Butler is the superstar of the roster, but former MVP and oft-injured Derrick Rose might not be willing to admit it. The dynamics of the Bulls backcourt is a fascinating topic for the 2015-16 season.

Cleveland, on the other hand, will begin its defense of an Eastern Conference title that could’ve been so much more had injuries not taken away Love, Kyrie Irving and Anderson Varejao.

When and where to watch: Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT

2. San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

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LaMarcus Aldridge will make his regular-season debut with the Spurs, who somewhat-shockingly bowed out in the first round of the playoffs. Plus, Kevin Durant will return to meaningful action for the first time since a foot injury robbed him of the latter half of the 2014-15 season.

In addition to bringing Aldridge and David West on board, San Antonio re-signed Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili in hopes of winning now while preparing for the post-Duncan, post-Ginobili future. Consequently, the Spurs have become a trendy choice to win the West.

Oklahoma City has something to prove, considering the franchise didn’t reach the postseason last year. Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka missed a combined 88 games, and there’s few better ways to say “We’re back!” than toppling San Antonio.

When and where to watch: Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN

1. Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets

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Last season, James Harden finished second to Stephen Curry in MVP voting. Houston had the No. 2 seed behind Golden State in the playoffs. The Rockets lost to the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.

Houston must be fed up with the chase. Nevertheless, it’ll have an opportunity to start the 2015-16 campaign on a winning note against Golden State, which during the preseason leveled a Rockets squad that didn’t have Harden, Dwight Howard or new point guard Ty Lawson on the floor.

Oh, and the Warriors averaged 111 points and were 8-1 overall against Houston last year. It’s safe to say the Rockets will be motivated.

When and where to watch: Oct. 29 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

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