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10 Games to Keep on Your Radar for the 2016-17 Season

The 2016-17 regular season schedule is out, and it’s packed with can’t-miss matchups. While we know you’ll be tuning into all 82 games, we’ve highlighted 10 you should not only circle, but underline and highlight, on your calendar.   

Nets at Celtics – Oct. 26 – Opening Night:

Finally… after 197 days Brooklyn Nets basketball returns. All is right in the world.

The first game of the season is always exciting, but this is also the first chance to see Jeremy Lin, Isaiah Whitehead, Trevor Booker, Anthony Bennett, etc. with the Nets. 

On top of that, it’s a rivalry game, as the Nets ship up to Boston to play the Celtics. These games got a little heated last season, so this season starts out with a bang!

Nets vs. Pacers – Oct. 28 – Home Opener:

Everything we like about the season opener goes for the home opener. We’re back on our home court, cheering on our Nets together for the first time in Brooklyn.

It’s our chance to see the new Nets live for the first time and to see the next steps for Brook Lopez, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Chris McCullough, etc.

This game also marks the return of Thaddeus Young, who spent just a season-and-a-half in Brooklyn, but endeared himself to fans with his hustle. These games will hold a lot of meaning for first-round pick Caris LeVert as well, as the Nets used Indiana’s pick (20th) to draft him.

Nets vs. Bulls – Oct. 31 - Halloween

The Bulls overhauled their roster over the offseason, shipping out former MVP Derrick Rose to the Knicks and bringing in Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant. This is Jimmy Butler’s team now and it’ll be interesting to see how the new pieces fit. Plus, it’s the return of the sibling rivalry between Brook and Robin Lopez.

Also, it’s Halloween, so get dressed up.

Nets at Knicks – Nov. 9

The first battle of the boroughs this season takes place at the Garden. It’ll be the first chance for local bragging rights, plus it’s our first look at our new-look rivals. The Knicks did a bit of an overhaul this summer, bringing in Derrick Rose for Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant. This is also our turn in the spotlight, as Nets at Knicks will be nationally televised on ESPN.

Nets at Thunder – Nov. 18

It’s the Russell Westbrook show in OKC. With Kevin Durant leaving for Golden State, Westbrook is the undisputed go-to guy on the Thunder. OKC made some more moves this offseason, bringing in Victor Oladipo and Ersan Ilyasova for Serge Ibaka, so the loud clouds will have a bit of a new look this season.

Nets at Spurs – Dec. 10

San Antonio has been the gold standard of the NBA for nearly two decades, so this is another measuring stick game for any team. Tim Duncan has retired, but with Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge still wearing silver and black, the Spurs are expected to be fighting atop the NBA’s Western Conference.

Also, this is the first student vs. teacher moment for Sean Marks, who came to the Nets after working in the Spurs front office.

Nets vs. Warriors – Dec. 22

Last season the Warriors set an NBA record with 73 wins. And then they added Kevin Durant.

Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Durant are coming to town on Dec. 22. That’s a lot of star power. Keep in mind the Nets took the Warriors to overtime in their first meeting last season in Oakland, so they have played them hard in the past, but the stars will be out in late December.

Nets at Cavaliers – Dec. 23

The Nets take on LeBron James and the reigning NBA champs on Dec. 23. A game against the champs is always huge because to be the man, you’ve got to beat the man. We’re looking forward to hosting them on Jan. 6 as well. Friday night. Nets-Cavs at Barclays Center. Don’t miss it.

Nets vs. Jazz – Jan. 2 – The Return of Joe Johnson

Joe Johnson returns to Barclays Center for the first time since the Nets waived him on Feb. 25. Johnson played three-and-a-half seasons with the Nets, becoming a fan favorite in Brooklyn remembered for his clutch baskets and smooth stroke.

Nets vs. Knicks – Feb. 1

It’s a long wait for the first Nets-Knicks game at Barclays Center this season, but it’ll be worth it. These games have some of the best atmosphere in the entire league, with the crowd cheering and jeering back and forth at each other. It’s a unique atmosphere but makes for a heck of an atmosphere. Plus, there are local bragging rights on the line. #RunThisTown.

For the complete schedule, click here. Individual tickets go on sale on Monday, August 15 at 10AM, but we have ticket packages available. And for those who seek the ultimate VIP Experience, inquire about our new BSE Experiences program when you call into this number: 1-866-834-8663