The 10 most intriguing matchups on the NBA schedule

With the release of the 2015-16 NBA schedule, basketball fans can now break out their red markers and start circling dates on their calendars.

Here are 10 marquee matchups hoopheads have every reason to get excited about.

Oct. 27: Warriors vs. Pelicans

The league's opening night will see last season's MVP, Stephen Curry, and his NBA champion Golden State Warriors host a potential MVP in Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans in a postseason rematch. Former Dubs assistant coach Alvin Gentry will face his old team as New Orleans' new bench boss.

Nov. 11: Mavericks vs. Clippers

This is going to be a doozy. DeAndre Jordan's first trip to American Airlines Center will likely be a raucous one - with Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban being the loudest voice in the building. Although Jordan has tried to make amends with the Mavs, what may be remembered as "The Indecision" won't be swept under the rug anytime soon.

Nov. 11: Trail Blazers vs. Spurs

What will basketball drama-seekers be watching for during this showdown between Western Conference haves and have-nots? Look no further than the reaction of Portland Trail Blazers fans to the return of former All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge.

Nov. 13: Nuggets vs. Rockets

Ty Lawson returns to the Mile High City for the first time since being dealt to the Houston Rockets in a five-player summer blockbuster following his second DUI arrest in six months. Rookie Emmanuel Mudiay is set to take over the reins at the one-spot with Lawson out of town.

Nov. 23: Timberwolves vs. 76ers

The game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers will showcase big men of the future. With the rise of small ball - evidenced by the Warriors' recent success - Karl-Anthony Towns, the No. 1 pick of the 2015 draft, and Jahlil Okafor, picked two spots after Towns, will have the opportunity to show the world that traditional big men still have a place in today's NBA.

Dec. 17: Cavaliers vs. Thunder

Bragging rights are on the line when the two best ballers in the world clash in a battle of epic proportions. Kevin Durant and LeBron James bring out the best in one another, with the two dropping over 30 points apiece in their lone duel last season. “It used to piss me off, but I love it now,” Durant recently told ESPN.com about fans forgetting to mention him among the NBA's elite since he's been out with a foot injury.

Dec. 18: Clippers vs. Spurs

Their seven-game, first-round series last April was a classic in every sense of the word, with four games separated by six points or less, and a single basket determining the final matchup at Staples Center. It set the bar awfully high for all future meetings between the squads, but even if they can't live up to the hype, it will be awfully fun watching them try.

Dec. 25: Warriors vs. Cavaliers

Regardless of whether basketball fans are naughty or nice this year, they shall receive a Dubs-Cavs meeting - gift-wrapped with a bow on top - on Christmas Day. This 2015 Finals rematch will likely garner significant TV ratings, with many sports fans sipping on eggnog as they tune in to see if the Warriors can build on last season's dominant run, and if the Cavaliers, when at full strength, have what it takes to dethrone the reigning champs.

Jan. 25: Warriors vs. Spurs

The Warriors are sitting high and mighty atop their throne with the Larry O'Brien trophy, which can't sit well with Gregg Popovich's Spurs. By acquiring four-time All-Star Aldridge, San Antonio has put itself back at the forefront as quite possibly the biggest threat to knock the Warriors off their pedestal. This could be an early preview of the 2016 Western Conference finals.

March 10: Lakers vs. Cavaliers

Have your Kleenex on standby, because this may be the last time we see “The King” and the "Black Mamba” on the floor at the same time. A Cavaliers-Lakers matchup lacks intrigue from a pure basketball standpoint, with 32 victories separating the two parties in 2014-15, but the opportunity to watch two of the greatest players in league history go head-to-head should not be missed.

Jan. 5: Kings vs. Mavericks

Oft-maligned point guard Rajon Rondo and the new-look Sacramento Kings square off against the team Rondo failed to mesh with last season before an unceremonious split.