THE NBA released its schedule Wednesday, a more player-friendly model that addresses Commissioner Adam Silver’s directive for additional player rest.

    NBA senior vice president of operations Kiki Van De Weghe called it the best schedule he had seen, adding that the league was ‘’very, very mindful of player rest and recuperation, and the idea of putting the best product on the floor each and every night.’’

    The season begins Oct. 27 with three games, including the Warriors hosting New Orleans, the team they eliminated in the first round.

    Chicago hosts Cleveland earlier on opening night in its first game under Fred Hoiberg, who was hired after the Bulls fired Tom Thibodeau.

    Most teams begin Oct. 28, including the new-look San Antonio Spurs making their debut with LaMarcus Aldridge and David West at Oklahoma City, which could welcome Kevin Durant back to regular-season action after his 2014-15 season was cut short by injury.

    Later that night, the top two picks in the June draft square off when No. 1 Karl-Anthony Towns and Minnesota visit the Los Angeles Lakers, who could put No. 2 pick D’Angelo Russell into a backcourt with a returning Kobe Bryant.

    The Christmas slate again features five games, with the NBA Finals rematch sandwiched in the middle. Also, Miami hosts New Orleans, Chicago visits Oklahoma City, Houston welcomes San Antonio and the Lakers and Clippers continue their Staples Center rivalry.(SD-Agencies)