1. December 17 vs. Houston – Following a dramatic departure, Jeremy Lin’s return to the Garden is one of the most anticipated games of the season. Leading the team to seven straight wins, Lin once had the city in the palm of his hands, but how will fans react when they see him running with a new squad for the first time? I’m sure he’ll handle it with class, but that doesn’t guarantee a standing ovation, or anything close to it.

2. November 1 @ Brooklyn - The NBA waisted no time heating up the New York rivalry as the Knicks will battle the Brooklyn Nets in the debut of the Barclay’s Center. This is just 1 of 4 times these teams will face off during the season, but that doesn’t make it any less important. It’s the first time we’ll get to see where both teams are at, and how they matchup. But most importantly, it will declare who gets first dibs at bragging rights.

3. November 2 vs. Miami Heat- After eliminating the Knicks from last season’s playoffs in jut 5 games, the Knicks will get an early opportunity to redeem themselves. In their home opener, the Knicks and their new pieces will get an opportunity to prove just what they’re made of by competing against the defending NBA champions. Starting to get criticized for his lack of post-season success, Carmelo Anthony seems to be serious about winning this year recently declaring, “I wan’t to win an NBA championship.” This game will put Carmelo to the test and show us just how serious he is about leading this team to a title. What better way to prove that than to face his friend, rival, and defending champ. LeBron James. 

4. December 25 @ L.A. Lakers - The Knicks and the Raptors seemed to be the top teams to land 2x MVP Steve Nash this summer, until he surprised us all and signed with his long-time rivals, the L.A. Lakers. Now teamed up with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, Nash and the Lakers will host the New York Knicks on Christmas day. I’m confident this game won’t disappoint. 

5. January 7 vs. Boston - The Knicks-Celtics rivalry never seems to disappoint, and with both teams making strong moves during the off-season, I think we can expect an all out battle when the Celtics visits MSG for the first time. Adding Jason Terry, Courtney Lee, Jeff Green and 2 solid draft picks (Jared Sullinger, Fab Melo), the Celtics have countless weapons. But the Knicks have made a couple of moves of their own this summer, and with their newfound depth, this matchup should be a good one.