BUCKS SCHEDULE: 7 GAMES TO CIRCLE ON THE CALENDAR

The Milwaukee Bucks boast the reigning MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo, so that's reason enough to make every game appointment viewing. But here are a few matchups that stand out on the schedule:

Oct. 24 at Houston Rockets

7 p.m. (TNT)

The Bucks' regular-season schedule starts with a bang. The Rockets made it clear that they felt James Harden deserved more MVP love last season, so the Houston crowd will be fired up with Antetokounmpo coming to town. The Bucks will debut some new pieces like Wesley Matthews, Kyle Korver and Robin Lopez, while also getting a first look at the Rockets' Harden-Russell Westbrook pairing.

Nov. 6 at Los Angeles Clippers

9 p.m. (ESPN)

The Bucks have bad memories of Kawhi Leonard carrying the Toronto Raptors to victory in last season's Eastern Conference finals. Now Leonard has paired with Paul George with the Clippers, but Antetokounmpo and Co. will definitely want to prove something against Leonard.

Dec. 13 at Memphis Grizzlies

7 p.m. (Fox Sports Wisconsin)

Taylor Jenkins was an assistant coach under Mike Budenholzer for six seasons – five with the Atlanta Hawks and one with the Bucks. The teacher and student will square off for the first time here after the 34-year-old Jenkins was hired as head coach of the Grizzlies. Jenkins was a cult favorite among Bucks fans for animatedly holding back players on the bench if there was a fracas on the court.

Dec. 22 vs. Indiana Pacers

6 p.m. (Fox Sports Wisconsin)

The Bucks couldn't find a way to retain guard Malcolm Brogdon in the offseason, working out a sign-and-trade with the Pacers. The teams meet for the first time in Indianapolis on Nov. 16, but the crowd at Fiserv Forum in this one should give the 2016-17 rookie of the year some hearty applause.

Dec. 25 at Philadelphia 76ers

1:30 p.m. (ABC)

As long as Antetokounmpo is with the Bucks, Milwaukee's fans better get used to their team playing on Christmas Day. Last season, Milwaukee made its first appearance on the NBA's marquee slate since 1977. This season, the Bucks will face off against another team expected to contend for the Eastern Conference crown.

Jan. 24 vs. Charlotte Hornets

2 p.m. (NBA TV)

Bonjour! The Bucks and Hornets will meet in the first regular-season NBA game in Paris. It is the Bucks' second game in Europe after playing in London in 2015. Milwaukee has four days off before and after the game at AccorHotels

Arena. It will be interesting to see if the international travel affects the players.

March 8 at Phoenix Suns

5 p.m. (Fox Sports Wisconsin)

The Bucks had the NBA's best record last season at 60-22. Inexplicably, the Bucks were swept by the lowly Phoenix Suns in their two matchups. The Bucks will probably want to make sure that doesn't happen this season.

Contact Ben Steele at (414) 224-2676 or bmsteele@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenSteeleMJS or Instagram at @bensteele_mjs

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