NBA schedule: Deandre Ayton set to begin rookie year with Phoenix Suns
A list of some of the best dates for Deandre Ayton's rookie year in the Valley.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
The Chosen Sun
Updated
The NBA announced its full 82-game schedule for each team Friday, which means Deandre Ayton's rookie path with the Phoenix Suns is already taking shape.
The former Wildcat and No. 1 overall pick averaged 14.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in his trial run with the Suns during NBA Summer League. Now playing with new teammates Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, Trevor Ariza, Brandon Knight, Dragan Bender and Mikal Bridges, it's officially go-time for Ayton and the young Suns.
Here are notable matchups and dates for Ayton's rookie year in Phoenix. All tipoff times are mountain standard time.
Debut
Updated
Matchup: Dallas Mavericks
Date: October 17
Notable opponents: DeAndre Jordan, Luka Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki
LeBron and the Lakers
Updated
Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers
Dates:
- Oct. 24 (Home), 7 p.m.
- Dec. 2 (Away), 1:30 p.m.
- Jan. 27 (Away), 7:30 p.m.
- March 2 (Home), 7 p.m.
Notable opponents: LeBron James, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram
Golden State Warriors
Updated
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr high-fives fans during the team's NBA basketball championship parade, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Matchup: Golden State Warriors
Dates:
- Oct. 22 (Away), 7:30 p.m.
- Dec. 31 (Home), 7 p.m.
- Feb. 8 (Home), 7 p.m.
- March 10 (Away), 5:30 p.m.
Notable opponents: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green
Trust the Process
Updated
Matchup: Philadelphia 76ers
Dates:
- Nov. 19 (Away), 5 p.m.
- Jan. 2 (Home), 7 p.m.
Notable opponents: Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, T.J. McConnell, Markelle Fultz, Dario Saric
Don’t compare Ayton to me either... I play DEFENSE
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) June 22, 2018
Reunion with Puma partner Marvin Bagley III
Updated
Matchup: Sacramento Kings
Dates:
- Dec. 4 (Home), 7 p.m.
- Jan. 8 (Home), 7 p.m.
- Feb. 10 (Away), 4 p.m.
- March 23 (Away), 7 p.m.
Notable opponents: Marvin Bagley III, Willie Cauley-Stein, Harry Giles, De'Aaron Fox, Skal Labissiere
Chicago Bulls
Updated
Matchup: Chicago Bulls
Dates:
- Nov. 21 (Away), 6 p.m.
- March 18 (Home), 7 p.m.
Notable opponents: Lauri Markkanen, Rawle Alkins, Wendell Carter Jr., Jabari Parker, Robin Lopez, Kris Dunn
