:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36895354/20140422_ajl_ss9_283.jpg.0.jpg)
The release of the 2014-15 NBA schedule means we won't have to wait much longer until our Toronto Raptors take the floor again.
It's been too long, ladies and gentlemen. Our thirst must be quenched and the void in our lives must be filled. The #WeTheNorth hashtags, Landry Fields jerseys and Jack Armstrong one-liners need to be dusted off.
What we knew before the schedule was even revealed was that all home games were being pushed back thirty minutes to 7:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. at the Air Canada Centre. This will give fans more time to get to the building, although families with young children may not be as accepting during the school year if games run late.
A few things to note about the Raptors schedule this season:
Nine of the first 12 games will be at home, including a franchise record tying seven game home stand from Nov 7-21.
— Raptors HQ (@RaptorsHQ) August 13, 2014
The Raptors will be on TNT once (Nov 13 vs. CHI) and ESPN three times (Dec 17 vs. BK, Apr 8 at CHA and April 15 vs. CHA).
— Raptors HQ (@RaptorsHQ) August 13, 2014
Re 2014-15 schedule: there will be 19 sets of back-to-back games this season, seven of them will be back-to-back road games.
— Raptors HQ (@RaptorsHQ) August 13, 2014
With that being said, here's a look at some key games and stretches fans will take note of right off the bat, including appearances north of the border by some of the most polarizing figures in franchise history:
Season/Home Opener: Oct. 29 vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7:30 p.m.
First road game: Nov. 1 @ Orlando Magic, 7:00 p.m.
Andrew Wiggins (Minnesota Timberwolves) at ACC: March 18, 7:30 p.m.
LeBron James/Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers) at ACC: Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Andrea Bargnani/Jose Calderon (New York Knicks) at ACC: Dec. 21, 3:30 p.m.
Vince Carter (Memphis Grizzlies) at ACC: Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) at ACC: Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Chris Bosh (Miami Heat) at ACC: March 13, 7:30 p.m.
Rudy Gay (Sacramento Kings) at ACC: Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.
San Antonio Spurs (NBA Champions) at ACC: Feb. 8, 7:00 p.m. (on NBA TV)
Brooklyn Nets (2014 NBA playoffs rematch) at ACC: Dec. 17, 8:00 p.m. (on ESPN)
Brooklyn Nets (2014 NBA playoffs rematch) at Barclays Center: Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m.
Last game before Christmas: Dec. 22 @ Chicago Bulls, 8:00 p.m.
Christmas Day: Swaggy P > Toronto Raptors (NBA logic)
Longest homestand: Seven games between Nov. 7 and 21 (vs. Washington, Philadelphia, Orlando, Chicago, Utah, Memphis and Milwaukee)
Longest road trip: Six games between Dec. 22 and Jan. 4 (@Chicago, @Los Angeles Clippers, @Denver, @Portland, @Golden State, @Phoenix)
Last game before New Years: Dec. 30 @ Portland Trail Blazers, 10:00 p.m.
Last game of the season: April 15 vs. Charlotte Hornets, 8:00 p.m. (on ESPN)
For a full look at the 82-game schedule, click here. You can find the Raptors' preseason schedule here.
Which game are you most looking forward to on the schedule? Does seeing Andrew Wiggins at the Air Canada Centre tickle your fancy? What about LeBron James, Kevin Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on what your first impressions are on the Raptors' schedule.