The Miami Heat will host LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day according to a report from ESPN.
The full 2014-15 National Basketball Association Schedule is yet to be released but this report answers one of the main mysteries. December 25th is annually the day that the NBA highlights it's marquee match-ups.
James famously exited Miami earlier this off-season to return to his original team in Cleveland. Along with James are fellow former Heat players Mike Miller and James Jones. It also remains possible that Ray Allen suits up for the Cavaliers when all is said and done.
The game is sure to be a ratings hit for the NBA as all eyes will be on James in what will be his first game back in Miami since his decision. While the Heat will almost certainly provide a video tribute to the star, the fan reaction could be mixed.
The Heat topped the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center this past season on Christmas Day. It has become a tradition over the past several years for Miami to take part on the slate of games on the holiday. Last season featured five games on the day, and it is possible that the NBA will showcase five more in the upcoming season.
With the attention surrounding James and the likely success of both the Cavaliers and Heat going forward, this could be a match-up that is seen on the same day in future seasons as well.
The remainder of the 2014-15 schedule will be announced on NBA TV at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
