The NBA released its 2016-17 regular-season schedule Thursday. As Toronto Raptors fans peruse their team's schedule, here are the five games they should circle on their calendar:
Oct. 26: Detroit Pistons at Raptors
The highly anticipated season opener for the Raptors can't come soon enough as perhaps the odds-on favorite to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers as the East's top team draws the Pistons in its opener. DeMar DeRozan decided to remain in Toronto, re-signing for five years, $139 million, to give the team in the North a chance at an NBA crown this year.
Oct. 28: Cleveland Cavaliers at Raptors
An early rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals, a 4-2 Cleveland win, is a chance for the Raptors to measure themselves against the LeBron James led NBA champs. All roads go through Cleveland in the East and James and Kyrie Irving, but the Raptors have their own superstars to match in DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.
Nov. 16: Golden State Warriors at Raptors
The Warriors will be the NBA's hottest ticket, and who doesn't want to watch a 73-win team that added Kevin Durant? The Raptors lost two games last season against the Warriors by a combined eight points.
Jan. 10: Boston Celtics at Raptors
The first matchup of the two best teams in the Atlantic Division is an excellent test for both teams. The Raptors made a small move by signing Jared Sullinger from Boston, while the Celtics went big this offseason, adding All-Star Al Horford in free agency.
April 9: Raptors at New York Knicks
The new look Knicks will have Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and young stud Kristaps Porzingis. The Knicks might not be a super team, but there is plenty of marquee talent on display in MSG. This is the last meeting and if the Knicks perform, potentially meaningful late in the season.