Five home and road games to circle on the schedule

The NBA released the 2018-2019 regular season schedule exactly a week ago, with the Raptors opening the season at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 17. Here at 10 games that are must watch, 5 home and 5 away.

Spurs @ Raptors

February 22, 2019

The obvious. The night everyone in Toronto is waiting for, DeMar DeRozan‘s return.

“I’ll circle return to Toronto on my calendar,” said DeRozan in a interview with ESPN.

The Raptors will be looking to defend their court and sway some of the doubters. Derozan will be on a mission to get payback on Masai Ujiri and the organization. Add on the Kawhi-Spurs feud. It will be highly competitive.

Lakers @ Raptors

March 14, 2019

The King will be back, again. On paper the Raptors look like they can finally compete with him. This is the best chance to get revenge for years of suffering. LeBron James‘ projected worst team in the last eight seasons and the Raptors finally have someone to guard him. Does Lebron still have the city’s number?

Warriors @ Raptors

November 29, 2018

Last season was fireworks. Kevin Durant always seems to play at his peek in the Scotiabank Arena. From his buzzer beating second overtime three in 2014, to his game clinching jumper with 21 seconds remaining last season. Durant and the two time defending NBA champions will be ready. Contenders or pretenders? The Warriors will be asking.

Rockets @ Raptors

March 15, 2019

Two projected top teams from each conference battling it out. The Raptors beat the Rockets both times last season 129-113 & 105-108. James Harden and Chris Paul will have Carmelo Anthony with them this time. The Raptors will have a good opportunity to test their small units against one of the league’s best.

Celtics @ Raptors

October 19, 2018

Beast of the east? The Celtics are healthy. The Raptors are a different team. This game is a chance for one team to grab the early psychological edge.

Raptors @ Wizards

October 20, 2018

This has become a huge rivalry. Two playoff series in the last four years. Markief Morris and OG Anunoby scuffle. Drake and John Wall. The Wizards will be extra motivated at home after being sent home by the Raptors last season. This might be physical.

Raptors @ Celtics

January 16, 2019

Beast of the east? Last time the Raptors play in Boston. Can they beat a fully healthy Celtics squad on the road?

Raptors @ 76ers

Feb 5, 2019

Another game between eastern conference contenders. The Philadelphia 76ers and Raptors were both eliminated in the eastern semi-finals. Both teams probably wish they played each other instead.

Raptors @ Cavaliers

December 1, 2018

Revenge game. The Cavaliers don’t have LeBron anymore. Let’s see how tough they are now.

Raptors @ Jazz

November 5, 2018

Two great young teams with athleticism and shooting. Donovan Mitchell vs Kawhi Leonard. What’s not to like? The Jazz were the fifth seed in the west last season and likely a playoff team this season.