The first match-up between LeBron James and his former team promises to be the biggest draw of the year. The NBA schedule was recently released and that game was scheduled on Christmas Day as earlier reported.

The side story of LeBron James facing up to his former team is one of the X-factors in this match up. It can be recalled that James publicly complained about his teammates' lack of support during their Finals  loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

 While it may not be the only reason, that series pretty much insured that Miami would lose LeBron James.

Now the rest of the Heat players have something to prove. Dwyane Wade was often criticized to be 'washed up' and his deterioration was pointed out to be that main reason for James' departure. Wade wants to prove to LeBron, and the Miami crowd (since it'll be at their home floor) that he still has gas left in the tank.

Other coveted matchups are:

From NBC Sports:

"Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers, Oct. 28
There are sub-plots to watch here, Jeremy Lin playing against his old team and Dwight Howard getting booed again by Lakers fans... but that's not why any of us will be watching. Kobe Bryant will be back on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers and any time he steps on the court we watch. Right now we will be watching because we're not sure what Kobe we will see, how much he has left in the tank, but we will watch. He is one of the all-time greats."

ESPN also points out three key events on opening weekend:

" Tuesday, Oct. 28: Spurs host Mavericks in traditional ring ceremony game, followed by Kobe Bryant's return to Lakers against Rockets.

 Wednesday, Oct. 29: Derrick Rose returns as Bulls visit Knicks.

Thursday, Oct. 30: LeBron James marks return to Cleveland with game against Knicks."