Two new stars and one familiar face in a new uniform highlight the Denver Nuggets early-season schedule, which tips off on Halloween and overall features 26 nationally televised games.

Kevin Durant, the NBA's No. 2 overall pick, will make his pro debut on Oct. 31 when the Nuggets open their season at home against Seattle. Eight days later, on Nov. 7, the Nuggets will get their first look at Kevin Garnett in a Celtics uniform when they travel to Boston to face the ex-Minnesota star.

Then, in back-to-back home games Nov. 12 and 14, the pride of Ohio comes to town.

First, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers visit Pepsi Center in a game that will feature two of the league's top scorers (Carmelo Anthony, 28.9, 2nd, and James, 27.3, 4th). The second game against Portland features former Ohio State star Greg Oden, the No. 1 overall pick in June draft.

December will bring Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal to town for back-to-back home games when Denver faces the LA. Lakers and Miami Heat on Dec. 2 and 5, respectively.

They'll get their first shot at defending NBA champion San Antonio on Dec. 15 when they travel to Texas. The Spurs come to the Pepsi Center on Jan. 3 and three days later, Allen Iverson will face off against his former team, Philadelphia, in a Sunday night game.

Denver's second road game on Nov. 6 puts them in New York, site of last December's ugly brawl that left 10 players ejected and seven suspended a total of 47 games.

Last year the Nuggets had a respectable road record, going 22-19, and they'll be tested there early and late this year.

Five of the first seven games are on the road, and they finish with four of their final six on the road. Their longest road trip is five games, starting March 18 in Detroit, followed by games at Philadelphia, New Jersey, Toronto and Memphis.

The Nuggets got off to a slow start at home last year but they'll need to take advantage of a schedule that sees them play seven of nine at the Pepsi Center from Nov. 30 to Dec. 20.

Six must see games

Oct. 31 vs. Seattle Teen machine. The opener against the new-look Sonics is a late game on Halloween, on ESPN, with the sweet-shooting Durant looking to show everyone he's ready for the NBA after just one season at Texas.

Nov. 12 vs. Cleveland LeBron vs. Melo: At least King James won't be dancing in baggy pants for this game at the Pepsi Center when he tries to improve his 2-5 mark against U.S. Olympic teammate Anthony.

Dec. 2 vs. Miami Shaq Attack. Shaquille O'Neal was a late scratch in the game in Denver last year because of a knee injury but the big man is back.

Dec 5 vs. L.A. Lakers Prepare to boo. By this time perhaps Kobe Bryant may have settled his beef with the Lakers, when they come to town for the second of three games between these two squads.

Jan. 3 vs. San Antonio Revenge time. The Nuggets gave San Antonio a run for its money in the playoffs, and will see how they measure up to the defending champs this year.

Feb. 19 vs. Boston Green machine. Ten-time all-star Kevin Garnett, who is expected to make the East a beast, visits Denver the first time as a Boston Celtic.