NBA schedule: Deandre Ayton set to begin rookie year with Phoenix Suns

The NBA announced its full 82-game schedule for each team Friday, which means Deandre Ayton's rookie path with the Phoenix Suns is already taking shape.

The former Wildcat and No. 1 overall pick averaged 14.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in his trial run with the Suns during NBA Summer League. Now playing with new teammates Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, Trevor Ariza, Brandon Knight, Dragan Bender and Mikal Bridges, it's officially go-time for Ayton and the young Suns. 

Here are notable matchups and dates for Ayton's rookie year in Phoenix. All tipoff times are mountain standard time. 

Matchup: Dallas Mavericks

Date: October 17

Notable opponents: DeAndre Jordan, Luka Doncic, Dirk Nowitzki

Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers

Dates: 

• Oct. 24 (Home), 7 p.m.
• Dec. 2 (Away), 1:30 p.m.
• Jan. 27 (Away), 7:30 p.m.
• March 2 (Home), 7 p.m.

Notable opponents: LeBron James, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram

Matchup: Golden State Warriors

Dates: 

• Oct. 22 (Away), 7:30 p.m.
• Dec. 31 (Home), 7 p.m.
• Feb. 8 (Home), 7 p.m.
• March 10 (Away), 5:30 p.m.

Notable opponents: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green

Matchup: Philadelphia 76ers

Dates: 

• Nov. 19 (Away), 5 p.m.
• Jan. 2 (Home), 7 p.m.

Notable opponents: Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, T.J. McConnell, Markelle Fultz, Dario Saric

Don’t compare Ayton to me either... I play DEFENSE

— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) June 22, 2018

Matchup: Sacramento Kings

Dates: 

• Dec. 4 (Home), 7 p.m.
• Jan. 8 (Home), 7 p.m.
• Feb. 10 (Away), 4 p.m.
• March 23 (Away), 7 p.m.

Notable opponents: Marvin Bagley III, Willie Cauley-Stein, Harry Giles, De'Aaron Fox, Skal Labissiere

Matchup: Chicago Bulls

Dates: 

• Nov. 21 (Away), 6 p.m.
• March 18 (Home), 7 p.m.

Notable opponents: Lauri Markkanen, Rawle Alkins, Wendell Carter Jr., Jabari Parker, Robin Lopez, Kris Dunn