The NBA released its 2016-17 regular-season schedule on Thursday. As Portland Trail Blazers fans peruse their team's schedule, here are the five games they should circle on their calendar:
Oct. 25: Trail Blazers vs. Utah Jazz
Following an overachieving season in which the Blazers (44-38) unexpectedly reached the Western Conference Semifinals, guards Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum will be looking to jump start the season with an opening-night matchup against the Jazz.
Oct. 27: Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
This is the first of three games in which the Blazers face off against Chris Paul & Co., who they defeated in the first round of the NBA playoffs last season. Lillard averaged 22 points during the six-game first-round series against the injury-plagued Clippers.
Nov. 1: Trail Blazers vs. Golden State Warriors
This game marks the Trail Blazers first matchup against the team that booted them out of the playoffs last season. Lillard & Co. went 2-7 against their rivals last season, including the playoffs.
Dec. 23: Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs
LaMarcus Aldridge returns to the Moda Center for the first time in the 2016-17 season. The Spurs big man averaged 17 points and six rebounds per game against his former team last season.
Jan. 11: Trail Blazers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
This will be the only game in which Portland welcomes the defending NBA champs to the Moda Center. The Trail Blazers went 1-1 against the Cavs last season.