The NBA schedule makers are a savvy bunch. That or their incredibly complex formula for juggling basketball, hockey, Monster Jam and TranSiberian Orchestra schedules produced one heck of a compelling “random” matchup for the Denver Nuggets to open their season.

Denver will open on the road against the Houston Rockets, the new home of embattled point guard Ty Lawson, on Oct. 28.

Get Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal ready, because this has the makings for a big-time ratings driver if the NBA plays its cards right.

Lawson, who spent the first half of 2015 doing nearly anything and everything to get himself run out of town, will have the chance to exact revenge on his old team on opening night. The Nuggets, meanwhile, will have the chance to show the guy who spurned them that they’re better off without him.

Appointment viewing, for sure.

Of course all of this assumes that Lawson successfully completes his rehab (he should complete his treatment around Aug. 17) and is on the Rockets roster come October.

Other highlights from the Nuggets 2015-16 schedule include Nov. 22 and Jan. 13 matchups at home against defending-champion Golden State, a Dec. 29 date with LeBron James and the Cavaliers and four of five games at home in April, including Oklahoma City and San Antonio.

Denver will open its home schedule Friday, Oct. 30 against Minnesota.

The full schedule is available HERE.