updated 12:17 p.m. ET Aug. 6, 2008

The Boston Celtics begin defense of their NBA title on opening night against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and will face the Los Angeles Lakers in a finals rematch on Christmas Day.

The Celtics will host the Cavaliers, who they beat in seven games in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals, on Oct. 28. The Lakers are also in action that night, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers in what should be Greg Oden’s NBA debut. The No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft sat out last season after knee surgery.

Boston visits Los Angeles in one of five games on Dec. 25. The Celtics beat the Lakers in six games in the finals in the renewal of the league’s greatest rivalry.

The NBA returns to Oklahoma City on Oct. 29, the first full slate of games, when the former Seattle franchise welcomes Milwaukee to the Ford Center. Oklahoma City served as a secondary home for the New Orleans Hornets for two seasons after Hurricane Katrina.

Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni returns to Phoenix on Dec. 15, and New York welcomes former coach Larry Brown back to Madison Square Garden when Charlotte visits on Nov. 5.

Other highlights:

• Baron Davis goes back to Golden State for the first time Jan. 25, and his Clippers get their first visit from Elton Brand when Philadelphia comes to Staples Center on New Year’s Eve.
• Top two picks Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley meet for the first time as pros when Chicago travels to Miami on Dec. 26.

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