The Celtics have been tabbed to travel to New York to take on the Knicks and open the 2011-2012 season. In a rematch of last year’s epic playoff battle, the two teams will enter yet another chapter into this bitter rivalry and kick off what should be an exciting fast paced season of hoops. From a fan perspective, this really cannot get any better. The lineup is stacked and the action is sure to surpass even our wildest of imaginations. Expect this guy and a host of other NBA fans to spend time ignoring our families on Christmas as we get reacquainted with the game we love. Sure it can be fickle at times, but the absence has surely made our hearts grow fonder and the mere mention of this star studded card is enough to get any fan’s heart racing.

2011 NBA Christmas Day Schedule

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks (12 p.m. ET / ESPN)

Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks (2:30 p.m. ET / ABC)

Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers (5 p.m. ET / ABC)

Orlando Magic vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (TBD)

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors (TBD)