Celtics to begin title defense against James, Cavaliers

The Boston Celtics will begin their title defense on Tuesday, October 28 at home against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The contest is the first of two featured on the NBA's 2008-09 schedule, which was released on Wednesday. The second contest of the opening night doubleheader, which will be broadcast on TNT, will feature the top overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft, Greg Oden, and the Portland Trail Blazers as they visit reigning league MVP Kobe Bryant and the defending Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers.

The Boston-Cleveland matchup will also feature a ceremony before the game where Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and company will receive their championship rings.

ESPN will then take over the following night with a doubleheader of its own. First, the San Antonio Spurs will host the Phoenix Suns and the nightcap will feature an intra-city battle as the new-look Los Angeles Clippers, led by Baron Davis, host the Lakers.

Other highlighted matchups of opening week, titled "NBA Tip-Off 08" include Houston taking on in-state rival Dallas on Thursday, while 2008 No. 1 overall pick Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls travel to take on the world champion Celtics on Friday.

For the first time, the NBA's three national television partners -- ABC, ESPN and TNT -- will each televise games on Christmas Day.

The action tips off on ESPN at 12 p.m. (et) when Orlando and All-Star Dwight Howard play host to the New Orleans Hornets and dynamic point guard Chris Paul.

ABC follows with a doubleheader, featuring the Suns and Spurs in Phoenix and a rematch of last year's NBA Finals when Boston visits the Staples Center and the Lakers. TNT finishes the day with a doubleheader of its own, headlined by the Washington Wizards traveling to Cleveland to face James and the Cavaliers. and Portland hosting the Dallas Mavericks.

ABC will exclusively broadcast the NBA Finals for a sixth straight season in June.