The Spurs begin the 2009-10 season at home against Chris Paul and the Hornets. The pomp and circumstance of opening night ought to provide an electric backdrop to a budding rivalry that began in the 2008 postseason.

November 11 vs. Dallas

The Mavericks visit the AT&T Center for the first time since ousting the Spurs from the playoffs. A week later, the Spurs head to the Metroplex for a rematch. After that, they won't have to look at Dirk Nowitzki again until January.

November 27 at Houston

The Spurs take on their other in-state rivals for the first timethis season at the Toyota Center. Now playingthe part ofYao Ming ...Luis Scola?

December 3 vs. Boston

Like the Spurs , the Celtics added a fourth wheel to their Big Three over the offseason. Rasheed Wallace, who spurned San Antonio for Beantown, makes his first visit to the AT&T Center in Celtics green.

Jan. 12, 2010 vs. L.A. Lakers

Kobe Bryant visits sporting his newest championship ring. This will be the Spurs' first chance to test their offseason makeover against the reigning champs. Plus, there's a 50-50 chance Ron Artest will do something certifiably nuts.

January 20, 2010 vs. Utah

A visit from Deron Williams and the Jazz tips off a rare six-game homestand for the Spurs . Also coming to town during that stretch are the Rockets, Bulls, Hawks, Grizzlies and Nuggets. After that, the Spurs hit the road for their annual rodeo road trip.

Feb. 3, 2010 at Sacramento

This marks the start of the rodeo trip. This year's sojourn spans eight games, broken up by the All-Star break. The Spurs will face the Kings, Blazers, Clippers, Lakers and Nuggets before the break, and Pacers, 76ers and Pistons after it.

March 17, 2010 at Orlando

Dwight Howard's Magic made a series of offseason moves - most notably adding Vince Carter - meant to keep them in the midst of title discussion. This is part of a two-game Florida trip for the Spurs , who face Dwyane Wade's Heat on March 16.

March 26, 2010 vs. Cleveland

LeBron Jamesand his new 325-pound sidekick,Shaquille O'Neal, make their one and only visitto the Alamo City. Set your hype meters on stun.

April 14, 2010 at Dallas

The season finale could mean everything or nothing, depending on how the standings work out. If both teams still have something on the line, it ought to be a barn-burning way to close out the regular season.