15 games to watch this season
Oct. 28 vs. Indiana, Opening Night: It was once said of baseball that Time Begins On Opening Day. The NBA doesn’t quite have that same romantic allure but there’s still something special about the first home game.
Nov. 22 at L.A. Clippers: It’s the first time the Raptors have ever played the Lakers and Clippers on the same Los Angeles weekend and, besides, Paul Pierce is a Clipper and he’s worth venting at.
Nov. 25 vs. Cleveland: With Tristan Thompson in the Cavaliers fold after his big-money free agent contract, fans of Canadian basketball can imagine his impact on the Olympic qualification. Oh, and there’s LeBron James, too.
Nov. 28 at Washington: There is no Paul Pierce to worry about and who knows if the Raptors or Wizards will have “it” early in the year but it’s the first regular season meeting since the playoffs last spring.
Dec. 5 vs. Golden State: Only chance to see the NBA champions and league MVP Stephen Curry and (not Rafael Araujo) Andre Iguodala at the Air Canada Centre.
Dec. 7 vs. L.A. Lakers: No visiting player seems to attract as many fans as Kobe Bryant does. Loud ovations, jerseys everywhere and this is likely the last time fans can fete the Laker icon.
Dec. 9 vs. San Antonio: You might mark this down as Cory Joseph against his old team and that would be quite understandable. But it might be the last chance to truly appreciate the greatness of Tim Duncan.
Jan. 14 vs. Orlando, at London: No, not a home game and it’s London, England, not London, Ont., but if you’re looking for the most exotic — and best — road trip of the season, this is the one you should be on.
Jan. 20 vs. Boston: Of all the Raptors who have left and returned, the welcome that will be afforded Amir Johnson could very well be the most heartfelt. The veteran big man reached fans like few others.
Feb. 8 at Detroit: A Monday night might not fit into too many people’s schedules but it’s the first chance for Raptors fans to take over the Palace of Auburn Hills, as they tend to do.
Feb. 15, All-star game: The Night Of Stars. From basketball and the world of entertainment — Drake among them — they descend on the city. It better be good TV because tickets will be impossible to get.
Feb. 19 at Chicago: It’s the first game back after all-star weekend in Toronto and given that it’s going to be a zoo at home for a few days, a break in a great city may be what’s needed.
Feb. 24 vs. Minnesota: Andrew Wiggins. Sam Mitchell. Need any other reasons to want to take in the lone visit by the Timberwolves? And who knows, they might be good.
March 26 at New Orleans: Sure, the chance to see Anthony Davis should not be passed up and the Pelicans seem a team on the rise. But, really, isn’t the allure a weekend in New Orleans?
April 13 at Brooklyn: Winding up the season in picturesque Brooklyn may not be the most fun thing in the world but it’s likely to be a chance for playoff preparation. Or everyone will be resting.
KEY TSNN = TSN National SN = Sportsnet National SN1 = Sportsnet One SNO = Sportsnet Ontario TSN = TSN Radio 1050 Toronto FAN = Sportsnet 590 The FAN