LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives with the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/AFP
A rematch of the NBA finals will take place on Christmas day and star forward Kevin Durant makes his return to Oklahoma City in February, the NBA announced Thursday as it released its 2016-17 season schedule.
The rematch between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors is set to be the marquee contest in a slate of five Christmas games.
The champion Cavaliers will host the Warriors as the teams square off on Christmas for the second straight year.
In another key contest, the Chicago Bulls visit the San Antonio Spurs.
The day begins with the Boston Celtics travelling to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks. The Andrew Wiggins-led Minnesota Timberwolves will make their Christmas debut at Oklahoma City and the hapless Los Angeles Lakers will play the Los Angeles Clippers in the night game.
Durant makes his return to Oklahoma City with the Warriors on February 11. Durant was not the only big name to change teams recently. Dwyane Wade will make his only return to Miami with the Bulls on November 10. The Knicks’ Derrick Rose makes his return to Chicago on November 4.
The season will open with two games on October 25. The Knicks will visit the Cavaliers on ring night, followed by the Warriors hosting the Spurs.