Although the NBA is dealing with an ugly lockout situation right now, that didn't stop them from releasing the 2011-2012 NBA regular season schedule three weeks early. Maybe David Stern felt it would sufficiently distract people from the reality of the situation. Whatever the case, if the season does start on time, the Golden State Warriors 2011-2012 schedule gets off to quite a bang. The Mark Jackson era will start with a home opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on ESPN on November 2.
The Warriors schedule will feature a pair of six-game road trips and nine separate appearances on ESPN or TNT. Throw in eight NBA TV appearances and it seems like the NBA is excited to showcase the new Mark Jackson Warriors.
For folks looking at potentially getting some sort of season ticket package for the upcoming season, the Warriors will face a host of interesting teams throughout the season. After opening with the Lakers, the Sacramento Kings will come to town on November 4. If the Warriors take to Mark Jackson's commitment to defense, they will get a strong test from an explosive Kings offense. The Kings might not be able to defend to save their life, but they'll be a high scoring team this season.
The Warriors will host Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder twice, on November 30 and February 7. They'll host the Boston Celtics on March 14. They'll also face the defending champion Dallas Mavericks at Oracle Arena on March 10 and April 12. They wrap up their season with a pair of games with the LA Clippers going to LA on April 14 and coming back home April 18. Maybe those games will actually have some playoff meaning? Might as well get hopes up now.
For more on the Warriors 2011-2012 NBA schedule, head over to Golden State of Mind.