http://espn.go.com/nba/s/2002/0718/1407255.html -Games to watch for 2002-03- The best storylines, not necessarily the best matchups, make for the best viewing. That's why we've sifted through the 2002-03 schedule and deemed the following regular-season games as must-see TV -- even if it means leaving the house to take advantage of the local sports bar's satellite hookup. Grab a pen and calendar, hoop fans, and circle these dates. Friday, Nov. 1: Pacers at Nets. It'll be tough for these teams to top their last encounter -- a double-overtime Game 5 classic in the playoffs' first round. But it doesn't hurt to try. While New Jersey sports essentially the same roster, Indiana should have a healthy Al Harrington, not to mention rookie Fred Jones, who still can't believe he was the 14th overall pick in the June draft. Saturday, Nov. 16: Grizzlies at Bulls. Jay Williams, the No. 2 overall pick, goes head-to-head with Jason Williams for the first time. Chicago fans will get to see why Jay changed his name and didn't want to be confused with Jason. Oh, there'll be a big Duke love-in, too, with the on-court reunion of Jay and ex-Blue Devil Shane Battier. Sunday, Nov. 17: Rockets at Lakers. What sound does a 7-foot-5 center make while hitting the floor? On this night, we get to find out when Shaquille O'Neal welcomes No. 1 pick Yao Ming to America and the land of Elbows In The Lane. Those without NBA League Pass will have to wait until Jan. 17 to see Shaq tear down the Great Wall of China on ESPN. Wednesday, Nov. 20: Nets at Celtics. C's fans will have had five months to think up new insults for Jason Kidd, whose wife and son were courtside targets for rambunctious FleetCenter fans during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. Joumana and T.J. didn't make the return trip to Beantown for Game 6, but inviting Tony Soprano to the game this time might bring some peace and quiet to their section. Friday, Nov. 29: Sixers at Cavaliers. Dajuan Wagner, who has drawn comparisons to Allen Iverson, gets to go one-on-one with the real thing in Philly on Nov. 8. But on this night, the rookie from Memphis gets A.I. on his home floor -- that is, if Philadelphia authorities allow bad-boy Allen to cross the state line. Saturday, Nov. 30: Cavaliers at Heat. The Caron Butler Get Even With Those Scumbugs Tour picks up steam with the first of three straight games against lottery teams who opted not to select Butler, who uttered the now-famous words on draft night, "I'm going to make them pay for passing on me." Don't be surprised if the No. 10 pick walks on the court wearing a hockey mask. Tuesday, Dec. 3: Grizzlies at Lakers. Four days after the world champs visit Memphis, Laker fans get to see what drew Jerry West away from L.A. Chances are, Jack and Dyan won't be impressed. Wednesday, Dec. 12: Hornets at Jazz. The last team to play in New Orleans (Jazz) meet the Big Easy's new team (Hornets) on Opening Night, but we're deeming this game important anyway. Why? Because hopefully Utah fans will realize "Jazz" doesn't fit Utah and gives the nickname back to New Orleans. And so what if the Hornets turn it down. At least the oxymoron of Utah Jazz will cease to exist, thus paving the way for the Utah Osmonds (seriously, the new jersey would be Roswell Rayguns-cool). Wednesday, Dec. 18: Mavericks at Nuggets. Nikoloz Tskitishvili, meet the real Dirk Nowitzki. Only the second game of a back-to-back and the thin Mile High air will prevent Dallas from scoring 130 on former Mavs assistant coach Kiki Vandeweghe's Nugs. Friday, Dec. 20: Lakers at Sixers. The last time Kobe Bryant stood on the First Union Center floor, the natives almost made him cry when they booed him mercilessly during the All-Star Game MVP trophy presentation. Expect Kobe to go off again. And expect more boos and near-tears. Wednesday, Dec. 25: Kings at Lakers. Sac-town hopes to put a little payback in the Lakers' stockings in the teams' first meeting since their knock-down, drag-out classic in the West finals. You won't hear John Tesh's "NBA on NBC" jingle on Christmas Day, though. This game will be the nightcap of a doubleheader that'll tip off ABC's national schedule. Friday, Jan. 17: Cavaliers at Nuggets. If it wasn't for the lottery, commissioner David Stern could move this game to April and bill it as "The LeBron James Sweepstakes." It'd be high comedy watching these teams falling over themselves trying to secure the right to take the high school phenom. Instead, season-ticket holders in both cities will be treated to 41 games of the reality (bites) show, "The Road to Secaucus." Friday, Jan. 24: Wizards at Bulls. What? You thought MJ was going to be left off the list? If Michael Jordan comes back -- and his be-a-backup plan keeps him healthy this long -- he'll play his final NBA game in Chi-town on this night. Sunday, March 16: Mavericks at Kings. The last meeting of the regular season between the NBA's highest-scoring teams in 2001-02 should make for an entertaining afternoon matinee on ABC. We'll also know by then if the Mavs' commitment to defense was just talk. Bad habits have a way of creeping back in the season's second half. Wednesday, April 16: Wizards at Sixers. Jordan will probably keep his retirement plans a mystery, but bank on this being the last time His Airness laces 'em up. Memorabilia vermin will have to be beaten back by a riot squad's tear gas from undressing MJ for every last piece of game-used equipment and apparel.
