SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz released their 2021-22 NBA schedule Friday with the league move back to a full 82 game slate for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

The Jazz season opens on October 20 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Salt Lake City. The league will also play its All-Star game on Sunday, February 20 in Cleveland, Ohio.

With the schedule released, these are the five must-see games for Jazz fans this season.

Christmas Day vs. Dallas Mavericks

Don’t eat yourself into a Christmas coma as the Jazz will face the Dallas Mavericks in a nationally televised 8:30 pm tip-0ff to cap the NBA’s annual holiday showcase.

Five holiday games, 13 back-to-backs, and two six game home stands.

Everything you want to know about the @utahjazz 2021-22 regular season schedule and more.#TakeNote https://t.co/qxSFKEb4HL

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 20, 2021

The Jazz haven’t played on Christmas since 2018 when they blew out the Portland Trail Blazers and will be looking for more holiday cheer against Luka Doncic and the Mavs early in the season.

New Years Day vs. Golden State Warriors

After last season’s debacle at Golden State when in the midst of a brilliant 24-point fourth quarter from Jordan Clarkson, NBA officials missed a foul on the Sixth Man of the Year’s three-point attempt that would have given the Jazz a five-point lead with just 30 seconds left to play.

Instead, the Warriors escaped with a 119-116 victory to stay in the playoff hunt.

The NBA admitted that officials missed a crucial foul call against the @warriors that likely cost the @utahjazz the game last night.@kslsports https://t.co/6Yqu9Kb1CT

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) May 11, 2021

Jazz fans will also be treated to the return of Klay Thompson who has missed the last two seasons with ACL and Achilles injuries.

January 26 vs. Phoenix Suns

The Jazz were swept by the Phoenix Suns who went on to nearly win the NBA title, ultimately losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 4-2.

Donovan Mitchell only appeared in two of the Jazz four losses but turned in a terrific 41 point performance in Phoenix in a narrow overtime loss. The Jazz will look to get revenge over the defending Western Conference champs in their first opportunity.

These games will be a part of a home and home set.

March 14 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Jazz swept the eventual Champion Bucks last season with two of their best regular-season performances at home and on the road.

The @utahjazz will have 26 games on national TV.

12 on NBATV
9 on ESPN
4 on TNT
1 on ABC#takenote | @KSLSports

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) August 20, 2021

Giannis Antetokounmpo appears to have a firm grasp on the claim to ‘best player in the league’ and Jazz fans should make sure to clear their schedules to make time for the Greek Freak.

March 31 vs. Los Angeles Lakers on TNT

The Los Angeles Lakers come to Vivint Arena on March 31 with a retooled roster now featuring longtime Jazz nemesis Russell Westbrook. The All-Star guard beat the Jazz twice last season earning wins while playing for the lowly Washington Wizards.

The fam pulled up for some basketball in Vegas.

👑 x Brodie x #LakersSummer pic.twitter.com/fbEEqwCGtl

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 15, 2021

Additionally, LeBron James and Anthony Davis should be back to full strength for the Lakers who are considered to be the favorites to win the West in 2022.

Plus One: Dec 15  vs. LA Los Angeles Clippers

It wouldn’t be right to make a list of the best games on the Jazz schedule without mentioning the Los Angeles Clippers who eliminated them in the Western Conference Semifinals last season.

The @utahjazz only play the Lakers and Clippers a combined six times, which is pretty lucky all considering. #TakeNote | @KSLSports

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) August 20, 2021

However, this game may be more of an afterthought that some had hoped as Kawhi Leonard will likely miss most of if not all of the 2021-22 season with an ACL injury suffered against the Jazz.

Had both teams been fully healthy, these two teams could be considered contenders to come out of the West, but without Leonard, the Clippers face an uphill climb.