December 13: Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers
This one is a bit obvious. The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics have the best rivalry in basketball and this is the first time that the two teams square off in the 2022-23 season. Quite frankly, we could have included both games in this list but that would be a bit redundant.
The first matchup is always the most compelling especially considering the offseason storylines that are currently happening. After falling just short in the NBA Finals this past season, the Celtics are engaged in trade talks for Durant.
While it would suck to see Durant go to the Celtics, it would be nice as it would then lead to the Nets trading Irving to Los Angeles. That makes this already big game even bigger.
Not only would it be the rivalry of the Lakers vs. the Celtics but it would be KD vs. Kyrie for the first time since being traded from the Nets. If the Lakers do get Kyrie they will probably become one of the favorites to win the title, so this will be pitched as a potential NBA Finals preview.
The NBA is not dumb and this game is obviously on primetime on TNT and should get a lot of viewers as a result. If KD and Kyrie are on the teams, and everyone is healthy, it could be the most-viewed regular-season game of the year.