The Raptors’ 2015-16 schedule has been released and features a pretty tough start for Toronto, with 11 of its first 14 games being played away from home.
Outside of that gauntlet start, the schedule doesn’t look too bad with two seven-game homestands and only one stretch that will see the Raptors play four games in five nights.
The team’s longest road trip will stretch six games and, in total, it will play 17 back-to-back games.
This upcoming season will be unique for Toronto as the city will be hosting the all-star festivities from Feb. 12-14.
And for those wondering, the now-annual swan song celebration of Vince Carter at the Air Canada Centre will take place on Feb. 21.
Outside of Carter, here are six parts of the schedule that you should be narrowing in on.
HOME OPENER
Fans won’t have to wait to see this new-look team as, has it’s been for the past three seasons, the Raptors will open their season at home on Oct. 28 against the Indiana Pacers.
HELLO OLD FRIENDS
The Raptors roster was pretty much completely re-invented over the off-season and as a result fan favourites Greivis Vasquez, Lou Williams and Amir Johnson were let go of. Fret not, however, as all three will be making a return to Air Canada Centre with their new teams.
Vasquez will first return with the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 1 – the third game of the season. Williams will be making his one and only appearance this season on Dec. 7 – a game that may also be the last time fans see Kobe Bryant in Toronto. Finally, Johnson will first come back with the Celtics on Jan. 20.
EVERY GAME AGAINST THE WIZARDS
The Raptors were straight-up flattened by the Washington Wizards during the playoffs last season and one has to think that wound hasn’t healed yet in the minds of players like Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. Thus, every game against the Wizards will be magnified and likely deemed more important than just any other regular-season affair.
Mark you calendars for Nov. 28 (at Washington), Dec. 30 (home), Jan. 8 (at Washington) and Jan. 26 (home).
AMERICAN NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
The Raptors may not be featured on Christmas Day (again), but they will still see some coverage within the U.S., including eight games on NBA TV and, more importantly two on U.S. national television.
On Jan. 22 Toronto will host the Miami Heat in a game that will be aired on ESPN and on Jan. 28 the team will be featured as part of TNT’s weekly national showcase against the New York Knicks.
WIGGINS WATCH
The Raptors only play the Minnesota Timberwolves twice meaning you can only see Andrew Wiggins in Toronto once — barring an all-star appearance that is. So make note of Feb. 24 if you’re looking to take in some live Maple Jordan action at the Air Canada Centre.
LONDON CALLING
In a cool turn of events, the Raptors, along with the Orlando Magic, were chosen to play a regular-season game at the O2 Arena in London, England. Taking place on Jan. 14, this will be the sixth time the NBA has played a regular-season contest in London.
Even better for the Raptors, this game will count as a home affair for Orlando, so no home games lost as a result of being selected to do this.
