The NBA released its 2016-17 regular-season schedule on Thursday. As Atlanta Hawks fans peruse their team's schedule, here are the five games they should circle on their calendar:
Oct. 27: Hawks vs. Washington Wizards
Dwight Howard plays as a Hawk for the first time in front of his hometown fans at Philips Arena. The Atlanta native described joining the Hawks as "a new beginning" and added the faith the team showed in him has restored his "belief that I'm still the player" who was selected to eight All-Star Games ‎and won three successive NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards.
Nov. 8: Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers
Atlanta was swept out of the playoffs by LeBron James and the Cavs in the conference semifinals last season. How will these revamped Hawks stack up against the defending champs this time around?
Jan. 13: Hawks vs. Boston Celtics
This is not only a rematch of Atlanta's first-round playoff victory, it will mark big man Al Horford's return to Atlanta after leaving for Boston as a free agent. Horford had spent his first nine seasons in the NBA with the Hawks before bolting this summer.
Nov. 28: Hawks vs. Golden State Warriors
Atlanta meets the NBA's new super team in this must-watch matchup. Last season, without Kevin Durant, the Warriors beat the Hawks twice in the span of less than 10 days. The second game went to overtime.
Feb. 2: Hawks at Houston Rockets
How will Howard fare against the team he fled for Atlanta?
