Knicks schedule 2013: Plenty of big matchups in improved Eastern Conference

Five games to watch

Dec. 28 at Toronto Raptors - The Knicks do travel to Toronto twice in the preseason, but this will be the first time Bargnani makes his return in the regular season to the city where he spent the first seven years of his career. Things got ugly in Toronto for Bargnani over the past few years, so it will be interesting to see how he responds to a crowd that will likely be very hostile.

Jan. 9 vs. Miami Heat - The defending champions make their first of two trips to Madison Square Garden on the season. The Knicks had a lot of success against the Heat last season, winning three of the four matchups, including a 104-84 beatdown to open the season at the Garden. Anthony played in three of the four games, averaging 37.3 points.

The Knicks face a tough stretch beginning in February and running through March that sees them play nine of 12 on the road. That stretch begins on Feb. 9 in Oklahoma City, and it features road games against the Memphis Grizzlies, Heat and Bulls as well as a home game against the Golden State Warriors. There’s also a difficult three-game run in January where the Knicks face the Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers and Nets in a row.

The Knicks get a break before and after the tough three-game stretch. Before facing the Pacers, the Knicks play the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Bobcats. Following the Nets game, the Knicks face the Sixers and Bobcats again as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Back-to-backs: 18

Season and home opener: Oct. 30 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Longest road trip: Five games from March 25-31

Longest homestand: Eight games from Jan. 17-Feb. 1

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