2. Boston Celtics @ Los Angeles Lakers
Picking the best game and the second-best game was difficult given the two choices. However, one of the remaining two matchups features the last two NBA champions, and one showcases a rivalry nearly as old as the league itself.
Call it recency bias, but the Lakers and Celtics get second place in my book. Do not underestimate what a great game this matchup has the potential to be.
1. Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets
Was there any other choice other than ranking Nikola Jokic and the defending champion Denver Nuggets vs. Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors first? As much as I would like to see an NBA Finals rematch on Christmas Day, I am not one bit disappointed in this matchup for the Nuggets.
Given how Golden State looked in the 2023 NBA playoffs, this will be an intriguing test for Golden State.
All in all, it may only be August but now that bits of the NBA schedule are being unveiled that signals training camp is just around the corner, opening night is not much farther behind, and hopefully with basketball returning soon cooler temperatures will follow suit too.