NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA has released its complete 2011-12 schedule despite being in a lockout that could last months and cause it to be scrapped.
The champion Dallas Mavericks will open the season — if it begins on time — at home on Nov. 1 against MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. The Mavericks host Miami in a finals rematch Christmas Day.
Owners and players are still well apart in negotiations on a labor deal to replace the one that expired June 30. There is a fear that regular-season games could be lost to a work stoppage for the second time in league history.
Most teams begin Nov. 2. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh start their second season together on the Heat against the Knicks.
