What bigger stage than Madison Square Garden for Michael Jordan's return to the NBA?
The NBA on Thursday released its 2001-2002 schedule with the Washington Wizards opening the season Tuesday, Oct. 30 in New York against the Knicks.
Jordan, the Wizards president/part owner, recently said he will decide some time around the middle of September whether or not he'll play next season.
The Wizards play host to Jordan's former team, the Chicago Bulls on Friday, Jan. 4. Washington travels to Chicago two weeks later to play at the United Center on Saturday, Jan. 19 in what could be Jordan's return to the Windy City.
The two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers open the season at home against the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 30 in a nationally televised game.
For the second straight year, the Trail Blazers will open the season against the team that knocked
them out of the playoffs the season before.
After Oct. 30, the teams won't meet again until Feb. 17 at the
Rose Garden. Their other two games are March 29 in Los Angeles and
April 14 in Portland.
Philadelphia and reigning league MVP Allen Iverson oppose the Minnesota Timberwolves and star forward Kevin
Garnett in another of the 12 games to be played Oct. 30.
The Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers play a will play on Christmas Day in a rematch of last year's NBA Finals. The Lakers visit Philadelphia's First Union Center on Jan. 27.
NBC will broadcast 32 games, opening its slate with a Christmas
doubleheader. New York hosts the Toronto Raptors, who eliminated the Knicks
from the playoffs during the past season, in the other game.
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 1 in their first game after relocating from Vancouver.
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