The NBA released next season’s schedule and there are a few interesting things for Raptor fans.
They open the season at home against the Celtics, lead by Canada’s own Kelly Olynyk.
November and December, as usual, look tough, with the Raptors facing every single Conference semi-finalist at least once, including both Miami, San Antonio and New York twice and Chicago three times.
Those first two months also feature 12 back-to-back games, including 6 in their first 7.
Speaking of the Knicks, Andrea Bargnani makes his return the the Air Canada Centre on December 28th. I expect a full house for that one.
9 of the 14 games in December are on the road.
In April, 7 of the 8 games will be against either playoff teams (Houston, Indiana and New York (twice)) or teams that have made it clear they will be fighting for a playoff spot come hell or high water (Detroit, Milwaukee (twice)). That will make things difficult if the Raptors are fighting for a playoff spot, or possibly easy if the Raptors decide to tank.
