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The wait is finally over. It’s been a year since the Brooklyn Nets hit the free-agency jackpot but fans didn’t get to see the much-awaited debut of their two superstars. Because of the uncertainty of COVID-19 and its implications, the NBA has released a partial schedule to keep up the excitement.

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Who isn’t thrilled to see Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving take the floor by storm? The last time Durant appeared in an NBA game was Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals while playing for the Golden State Warriors. Coincidentally, his return with the Brooklyn Nets on December 22 will be against his former team, the Warriors.

KD and Irving going head to head with Stephen Curry and a roster filled with a talented supporting cast is going to be an exciting watch. The Nets’ supporting cast is no less with Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, and many more.

The Brooklyn Nets were knocked out in the first half of the playoffs last season. Before aiming to win a title, they need to go focus on going deeper in the playoffs. How should they do that? By focusing on winning the key games ahead of them.

Also Read: Why 2020-21 NBA Season Is Make-Or-Break For Kevin Durant

Brooklyn Nets: Top Matchups

Brooklyn Nets vs Warriors

Playing against the Warriors makes for a dramatic storyline above everything else. The NBA Finals in 2019 changed GSW’s course to success drastically.

Durant’s former teammates will be more than determined to show him what they’ve got. However, Klay Thompson sat out throughout the last season because he tore his Achilles. Bad news struck the Warriors when they realized that he won’t be back this season as well.

Even Curry played just five games last season due to injuries. This resulted in the Warriors’ finishing last in the league and ended up with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. It will be interesting to see what Curry and Draymond Green do to send their former teammate a harsh message.

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Nets vs Miami Heat

What better way to test your team than by crossing paths with the previous season’s conference champions? The Miami Heat are well equipped to lead the Eastern Conference once again, despite losing some of their key pieces this offseason.

The only concerning factor is whether Durant will play the way he did before his injuries. Only if he plays closer to that level, will the Nets have a better chance in their run to the title.

Nets. vs Knicks

Though there isn’t much to this matchup, Durant and Irving refusing to join the New York Knicks during free agency last season makes it exciting. The Knicks have upped their roster a bit. Adding Obi Toppin in the draft under head coach Tom Thibodeau will be another fascinating watch.

Although the winner of this matchup is obvious, can the Knicks surprise fans?

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A partial schedule for the 2021 season

 

Dec 22 (7:00 pm EST)

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Golden State WarriorsJan 27 (7:30 pm EST)

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Atlanta Hawks

Dec 25 (5:00 pm EST)

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Boston CelticsJan 29 (8:00 pm EST)

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Oklahoma City Thunder
Dec 27 (7:00 pm EST)

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Charlotte HornetsJan 31 (7:00 pm EST)

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Washington Wizards

Dec 28 (7:30 pm EST)

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Memphis GrizzliesFeb 2 (7:30 pm EST)

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LA Clippers

Dec 30 (7:30 pm EST)

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Atlanta HawksFeb 5 (7:30 pm EST)

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Toronto Raptors

Jan 1 (7:30 pm EST)

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Atlanta HawksFeb 6 (7:00 pm EST)

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Philadelphia 76ers

Jan 3 (6:00 pm EST)

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Washington WizardsFeb 9 (7:00 pm EST)

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Detroit Pistons

Jan 5 (7:30 pm EST)

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Utah JazzFeb 10 (7:30 pm EST)

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Indiana Pacers
Jan 7 (7:30 pm EST)

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Philadelphia 76ersFeb 13 (8:30 pm EST)

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Golden State Warriors

Jan 8 (8:00 pm EST)

Away

Memphis GrizzliesFeb 15 (10:00 pm EST)

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Sacramento Kings
Jan 10 (6:00 pm EST)

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Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 16 (10:00 pm EST)

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Phoenix Suns

Jan 12 (7:30 pm EST)

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Denver NuggetsFeb 18 (10:00 pm EST)

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Los Angeles Lakers
Jan 13 (7:30 pm EST)

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New York KnicksFeb 21 (8:00 pm EST)

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LA Clippers

Jan 16 (6:00 pm EST)

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Orlando MagicFeb 23 (7:30 pm EST)

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Sacramento Kings
Jan 18 (7:30 pm EST)

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Milwaukee BucksFeb 25 (7:30 pm EST)

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Orlando Magic

Jan 20 (7:00 pm EST)

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Cleveland CavaliersFeb 27 (8:30 pm EST)

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Dallas Mavericks

Jan 22 (7:30 pm EST)

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Cleveland CavaliersMarch 1 (8:30 pm EST)

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San Antonio Spurs
Jan 23 (7:30 pm EST)

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Miami HeatMarch 3 (7:30 pm EST)

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Houston Rockets

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Also Read: Nets’ Kevin Durant Details His Struggle in Recovering From His Achilles Injury