2013 Cleveland Cavaliers schedule: Kyrie Irving, Mike Brown have their battles

So Brown and Irving have big matchups on the Cavs’ 2013-14 schedule that personally will mean something to them. More importantly, those battles will help Cleveland determine if it’s ready to return to the postseason.

Jan. 22 vs. Chicago -- Derrick Rose’s ACL injury might have set him back in holding onto the title as the most exciting point guard in the NBA, and Irving used the year to play catch-up. As Irving enters his third season, he’s still yet to play a game against Rose. A test against a veteran, battle-tested team could do the Cavs good in learning where they stand and how close they are to relevancy.

March 18 vs. Heat -- Will it be the last time LeBron James visits Cleveland as a member of the Heat? And if so, what uniform will James be wearing? Cavs fans seemingly have split between wanting James back in Cleveland and continuing to revile him. How they react in the team’s final matchup of 2013-14 -- barring a playoff meeting -- could be something to watch.

The beginning of March won’t be kind to Cleveland. The Cavs start out March 1 at Memphis and from there play San Antonio, Charlotte, New York and Phoenix before getting into an even tougher stretch against the Warriors, Clippers, Heat, Thunder, Rockets and Knicks.

From Feb. 11 through Feb. 25, the Cavs face Sacramento, Detroit, Philadelphia, Orlando, Toronto, Washington and Toronto again. The Pistons, Raptors and Wizards are all potential playoff teams, but the stretch is the most significant run without taking on a top-four squad from either conference.

The Cavaliers also finish the season with a somewhat reasonable schedule. They play Orlando on April 2 and follow that game up with Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit, Milwaukee and Boston before a tougher final regular season game against the Brooklyn Nets.

Back-to-backs: 20

Season opener: Oct. 30 at home vs. Nets

Longest road trip: Five games (Jan. 10-17)

Longest homestand: Five games (Jan. 20-28)

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