The NBA released its 2016-17 regular-season schedule on Thursday. As Charlotte Hornets fans peruse their team's schedule, here are the five games they should circle on their calendar:
Oct. 26: Hornets at Milwaukee Bucks
Coming off their most successful season under coach Steve Clifford, the Hornets will be looking to continue their ascent up the Eastern Conference when they begin their season against the Bucks. Although they lost forward Al Jefferson and point guard Jeremy Lin during free agency, Clifford's squad has high expectations to compete in the Eastern Conference this season.
Oct. 28: Hornets at Miami Heat
It's the first rematch since the Hornets fell to the Heat in the first round of last year's NBA playoffs. The Hornets will be looking for some bit of revenge after the Heat dominated Game 7 of their playoff series and won 106-73.
Nov. 7: Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers
It will be the Hornets' first game against Jefferson, who signed a three-year, $10 million deal with the Pacers during the offseason. The 31-year-old forward spent three seasons with the Hornets.
Nov. 13: Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers
The Hornets were 1-3 against the defending NBA champions last year, and hope to turn that around when they play the Cavs in Cleveland for the first of four meetings this season.
Jan. 25: Hornets vs. Golden State Warriors
It will be reigning MVP Stephen Curry's only game in Charlotte this season. Last year, Curry dropped 40 points in front of the hometown crowd in the Warriors' 116-99 victory over the Hornets.
