The Phoenix Suns schedule for the 2008-09 season has been released, and its highlighted by a home showdown with their old nemesis, the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day televised nationally by ABC. Here’s a closer look at the Suns 08-09 docket…

Season opener - October 29th @ San Antonio

Home opener - October 30th vs. New Orleans

Longest homestand - 4 games (March 18-25 - vs. Philadelphia, vs. Washington, vs. Denver, vs. Utah)

Longest road trip - 6 games (January 18-26 - @ Toronto, @ Boston, @ New York, @ Charlotte, @ Atlanta, @ Washington)

Return of Mike D’Antoni and the Knicks to US Airways Center - December 15th

Return of Shawn Marion to US Airways Center - November 28th

Highlighted Home Games:

Jerryd Bayless’ homecoming to Phoenix - November 1st vs. Portland

Kobe Bryant’s first visit of ‘08-’09 - November 20th vs. L.A. Lakers

First home game vs. San Antonio - December 25th (Christmas Day)

First visit from the yet unnamed Oklahoma City franchise - February 20th

First visit from World Champion Celtics - February 22nd

Number of Back-to-back games : 19

Number of Back-to-back games at home : 0

Number of Back-to-back games on the road : 11

Number of Back-to-back home/road splits : 8

Nationally televised games : 25

by ESPN : 10

by TNT : 10

by ABC : 5

by NBA TV : to be announced

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