CHARLOTTE (AP) -- The Charlotte Bobcats will open the 2012-13 campaign with eight of their first 12 games at home, including the season opener Nov. 2 against the Indiana Pacers.

The Bobcats, coming off the worst season in NBA history, will make two national television appearances on NBA TV and play 18 weekend home dates. The 82-game schedule is split evenly between home and road dates.

Highlighting the home schedule are two visits each from the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.

The defending NBA champion Heat, led by reigning league Most Valuable Player LeBron James, will visit Charlotte on Dec. 26 and April 5.

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder make their lone appearance in Charlotte on March 8.

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers visit Feb. 8.

Full Schedule: Visit nba.com/bobcats.

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