Knicks to host LeBron James and Heat in 2011-2012 opener

While the NBA remains in complete lockdown over their players/owners lockout, the NBA revealed its schedule for the 2011-2012 season, and with it, both the Knicks and Nets have some intriguing matchups for the new season.

The Knicks were resurrected last year with the additions of Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. Even though they finished 42-40 and got swept by the Celtics in the playoffs, it didn't do much to dim what was a promising step forward for the Knicks.

For the first time in years, the Knicks were a watchable basketball team, and it should get better if and when the NBA returns later this year. Of course there are the front office issues, as usual, with the Knicks especially after Donnie Walsh left the team without an extension. Is this the return year for Isiah Thomas? I sure hope not.

Anyhow, the Knicks open the season in grand style with a matchup at the Garden on November 2 against the (cough ... cough) Miami Heat, A.K.A. the Kings of the Choke. That's right LeBron-a-mania, D-Wade and Chris Bosh will come to New York to renew the rivalry at the get-go. The Knicks will also welcome Oklahoma City into the Garden on Nov. 8.

The Knicks then play a brutal seven game road trip, five of which will be out West, including a November 17 match-up with the Lakers.

The Knicks visit the Nets on November 25.

On Christmas Day, expect a "green out" at the Garden as the Knicks host the Boston Celtics. We know the Celtics wear green. Will the Knicks wear those God-awful green Christmas/St. Patrick's Day jerseys? BLEECH!

Access the Knicks schedule here.

As for the Nets: will Darren Williams seriously re-sign with the Nets? Really!? Whatever happens in the CBA could determine how soon Williams can hit the free agent market. Currently he has one year left on his deal. If the season is wiped out, he will be a free agent when basketball returns. Let's hope it doesn't get that far.

As hard as it is to believe that Williams would even want to stay with a disaster as the Nets, or ... excusez moi ... Brooklyn New Yorkers as they are rumored to be named in two years, their schedule is now out.

The Nets visit Washington on opening night and host the Detroit Pistons on November 5 at Prudential Center. They will also welcome the World Champion Dallas Mavericks into Newark on November 9.

The Nets also go back to London next season; this time they will play the Orlando Magic in early March.

Access the Nets schedule here.