Sonics will meet Trail Blazers for opening game of 40th year

The Seattle SuperSonics will begin their 40th and potentially final season in the Northwest by hosting regional rival Portland on Nov. 1.

The NBA released its schedule Tuesday. It showed the Sonics opening against the Trail Blazers, who feature former University of Washington star Brandon Roy, plus former Sonics coach Nate McMillan.

The KeyArena schedule also includes a Nov. 5 game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Sonics’ all-time team will be honored during a halftime ceremony that night.

The defending NBA champion Miami Heat make their only visit on Jan. 10. The Sonics will host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 16.

In other key matchups, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant will meet on Dec. 25 for the third straight season, as the NBA champion Miami Heat host the Lakers in the lone game on the holiday.

The season opens Oct. 31 with two playoff rematches: Chicago at Miami; Phoenix at the Lakers.