Following weeks of reigning uncertainty, tension and labor disagreements that jeopardized the future of the 2011-2012 season, the NBA seems to be happily back in business.

As stated by NBA Commissioner, David Stern this weekend, a tentative agreement between the owners and players has been finally reached, putting an end to a grueling 149-day lockout.

The agreement, which needs to be completed and ratified by both parts, includes a 66-game abbreviated season scheduled to begin on Christmas Day.  According to NBA officials, both sides are expecting to make the current resolution official within this week. If ratified, the regular season would run from December 25th through April 26th, and will require teams to play at least one set of back-to-back games.

As stated by NBA officials, teams would play 48 conference games and 18 non-conference games. Additionally, no team would play on three straight nights more than three times. Back-to-backs might also be played during the second round of the postseason.

As a direct impact of the prolonged lock out, the NBA was forced to shrink its season schedule, cutting 16 games from its 2011-2012 calendar. Organizers also suspended all training camp and preseason games, but in an effort to compensate fans and followers, the NBA is expected to kick off this season with a triple header season starter featuring Miami vs. Dallas, Chicago vs. Los Angeles Lakers and Boston vs. New York.

"We've reached a tentative understanding that is subject to a variety of approvals.  We're optimistic that will all come to pass and that the NBA season will begin on December 25th with a triple-header," NBA Commissioner David Stern said Saturday. 2011-12 NBA Schedule Breakdown (As posted on NBA.com)

Regular Season Start Date: December 25, 2011

Regular Season End Date: April 26, 2012

Playoffs Start Date: April 28, 2012

Last Possible Finals Date: June 26, 2012

Individual Team Schedule Breakdown

Conference Games: 48

• Play 6 teams 4 times (2 home, 2 away)

• Play 4 teams 3 times (2 home, 1 away)

• Play 4 teams 3 times (1 home, 2 away)

• Play 3 teams 2 times (1 home, 1 away)

• Play 6 teams 1 time at home

• Play 6 teams 1 time away

Back to Back to Backs: All teams with at least 1; no more than 3 Playoff Back to Backs: Possible in second round

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