Toronto Raptors: 5 games to look forward to during 2021-22 season

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Raul Neto #19 of the Washington Wizards in the second half at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Raul Neto #19 of the Washington Wizards in the second half at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
MIAMI, FL – APRIL 11: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Toronto Raptors schedule for the 2021-22 season, in which they return to their home digs in Canada, has been revealed. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Raptors fans have to be thrilled that it appears a return to Toronto is all but assured.

This season could go in any number of different directions, as Toronto has plenty of holdovers from the 2019 championship team, yet has to contend with both a conference that has improved rapidly around them and a roster that had some major subtractions over the last few years.

Some controversy over where Toronto may land in the standings shouldn’t dampen any enthusiasm fans might have for this season, as it is packed to the bring with exciting matchups that all Raptors diehard should have circled on their calendar.

These 5 games are the perfect intersection of intrigue and quality of opponent. If you only are going to watch five Raptors games this year, you must make sure that list includes this handful of contests.

Top 5 must-watch Toronto Raptors games in 2021-22.

5. DeMar DeRozan returns to Toronto again (October 25)

DeMar DeRozan is now a member of the Chicago Bulls, but he will always be a part of the Raptors and the team’s history. He holds 10 franchise records, including games played, points, field goals, and free throws.

DeRozan, along with Kyle Lowry, were the cornerstones of the franchise until DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs with Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 first-round pick (which the Spurs use that pick to select Keldon Johnson) for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.

After playing for the Spurs for three years, DeRozan ended up in Chicago on a three-year, $85 million deal.

DeMar DeRozan will come back to Toronto once again.

With the moves they made during the offseason, the Bulls are looking to make it to the playoffs this season. But before they go to the playoffs, they have to play 82 regular-season games, and the Raptors won’t go easy on them.

DeRozan has played in Toronto as a visitor before during his San Antonio days, but it’s always nice to see him return to the place that made him one of the best shooting guards in the game. The Bulls will assuredly be booed, but DeRozan can expect a hearty chorus of cheers.