The NBA released the early portion of the 2020-21 schedule on Friday, and the new slate includes a number of exciting matchups. However, fans will have to wait before getting an NBA Finals rematch between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel gave a game-by-game breakdown of the Heat's schedule for the upcoming season. The first rematch between the two teams will not be until Feb. 20 at the Staples Center:
The Heat’s first meeting against the Lakers since the NBA Finals will be a Feb. 20 nationally televised 8:30 p.m. ABC game at Staples Center. The Lakers’ lone visit to AmericanAirlines Arena will be part of the season’s second-half schedule.
Winderman noted the reigning Eastern Conference champions have a rather confusing lack of national exposure in the first quarter of the season, with just five of the team's first 25 games appearing on national television.
That said, the late showdown between the two teams gives NBA fans something to anticipate as the season rolls along. It should also be an interesting glimpse as to how the two Finals participants have progressed.
The Lakers went through something of a roster overhaul, bringing in guys like Dennis Schröder, Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol to be key contributors.
Miami lost key defensive wings in Jae Crowder and Derrick Jones Jr., but pried Avery Bradley away from L.A. in free agency while also agreeing to terms with Maurice Harkless.
Both the Lakers and Heat are expected to once again be among the top contenders in the NBA.
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