The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Boston Celtics on NBA 2009-10 season opening day on Oct. 27.

Shaquille O'Neal, acquired by Cleveland during the off season will team up with star forward LeBron James in the team's efforts to win their first title.

On the four-game opening day, the Los Angeles Lakers start the defense of their title by hosting the LA Clippers, who selected dynamic power forward Blake Griffin with the top pick in the 2009 Draft.

On Christmas Day Los Angeles will host Cleveland, a highly anticipated match-up featuring 2007-08 league MVP Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and reigning MVP James.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2009)