With Wednesday’s official release of the 2008-09 NBA schedule, it’s time for Hornets fans to get out their calendars and start jotting down a few important dates on the docket. While Hornets.com strongly recommends watching all 82 of the team’s games during this upcoming season, the following is a list of 20 Hornets games to watch in 2008-09 (for more analysis of the team’s schedule and to provide your comments, visit Hornets.com’s Big Easy Buzz blog):

Wednesday, Oct. 29 at Golden State
Hornets fans will need to stay up late to watch James Posey make his official debut in a New Orleans uniform. On the second night of the NBA’s regular season, the Hornets tip off at 9:30 p.m. Central time in Oakland, against the Warriors, who lost Baron Davis to free agency this summer.

Thursday, Oct. 30 at Phoenix
If this nationally-televised game by TNT is anything like the last two trips by the Hornets to Arizona, viewers across the country would be well-advised to tune in to watch Chris Paul go head-up against Steve Nash. New Orleans’ last trip to the desert resulted in a 132-130 double-overtime victory.

Saturday, Nov. 1 vs. Cleveland
The home opener in the Hive would be an exciting occasion no matter what, but with LeBron James in the building, it promises to be a memorable way to tip off the home slate.

Saturday, Nov. 8 vs. Miami
The Heat has a decent chance to be one of the league’s most improved teams, featuring a recuperated and rejuvenated Dwyane Wade and No. 2 overall draft choice Michael Beasley.

Wednesday, Nov. 12 vs. L.A. Lakers
The Western Conference champions and reigning MVP Kobe Bryant make their first visit to the Crescent City.

Friday, Nov. 14 vs. Portland
A year later than expected, Hornets fans get their first up-close look at Greg Oden. Portland is a team to watch in the Western Conference, loaded with up-and-coming young talent.

Saturday, Nov. 15 at Houston
New Orleans faces off for the first time against the revamped Rockets, who boast a new “Big Three” of Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest.

Friday, Nov. 21 at Oklahoma City
There may be mixed feelings among some fans at the Ford Center, where the Hornets played the majority of their home schedule in 2005-06 and 2006-07. It’s worth noting that this ESPN game is the only Oklahoma City contest of the entire season scheduled to air on ESPN, ABC or TNT.

Thursday, Nov. 27 at Denver
After a 2007-08 Hornets season full of landmark accomplishments, this will be another franchise first. The Hornets have never played a game on Thanksgiving in team history. The visit to the Nuggets on the national holiday will be broadcast by TNT.

Wednesday, Dec. 3 vs. Phoenix
The star-studded Suns, with Steve Nash, Shaquille O’Neal, Amare Stoudemire and Grant Hill, make the first of two trips to the Big Easy.

Friday, Dec. 12 at Boston
James Posey picks up his 2008 NBA championship ring at TD Banknorth Garden, then tries to help the Hornets post a road victory over the defending titlists. This game is the first half of ESPN’s weekly Friday doubleheader.

Wednesday, Dec. 17 vs. San Antonio
After a hard-fought, seven-game defeat to the Spurs in the 2008 playoffs, San Antonio has moved to the top of the list of teams Hornets fans love to hate. And boo. ESPN will be on hand to broadcast from the New Orleans Arena.

Thursday, Dec. 25 at Orlando
This will be the Hornets’ first-ever game on Christmas Day in the 21 seasons of the franchise. The matchup features two of the NBA’s rising superstars, CP3 and Magic center Dwight Howard. ESPN will televise just after breakfast, with tip-off at 11 a.m. Central.

Wednesday, Jan. 28 vs. Denver
Due to the rotating intraconference schedule, the Nuggets have only played once in New Orleans since Allen Iverson was acquired. This is the first of two Denver trips to the Hive this season (the second is March 25).

Saturday, Jan. 31 at San Antonio
On Super Bowl eve, the Hornets return to the site of significant frustration during the 2008 playoffs. New Orleans went 0-3 in the games played in the Alamo City last May. However, the Hornets routed the Spurs there during the 2007-08 regular season.

Wednesday, Feb. 4 vs. Chicago
It’s the first chance for 2008 NBA Draft No. 1 overall pick Derrick Rose to see how he matches up head-to-head against All-Star point guard Chris Paul.

Wednesday, Feb. 11 vs. Boston
The unofficial first half of the season wraps up with the 2008 NBA champions making their only trip to Louisiana. James Posey gets another chance to show his former team what they’re missing after he signed with the Hornets.

Thursday, March 5 vs. Dallas
TNT is broadcasting three New Orleans games this season, but this is the only time Turner will televise from the Hive.

Sunday, April 5 vs. Utah
Based on the never-ending Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams debate and the coinciding rises to the top of the Western Conference by the Hornets and Jazz, this matchup is usually worth viewing. Based on the rotating schedule, this will be Hornets fans’ only chance to see the Jazz in person during the regular season.

Sunday, April 12 vs. Dallas
As the Hornets’ version of Fan Appreciation Day, the FANtastic FANale is always a pretty big draw. This time, the opponent – the Southwest Division rival Mavericks – should make the team’s 41st regular-season home game even more of an attractive matchup. It will also be broadcast by ABC at noon Central.