Toronto Raptors 2019-20 schedule overview: 10 games to circle on your calendar

Westbrook and Harden come to town

6. Rockets at Toronto Raptors – Dec. 5, 2019

The Raptors will get a taste of the new-look Rockets on Oct. 8 and 10 when they meet James Harden and Russell Westbrook in Japan for a two-game preseason series, but the real thing will come in early December.

The Harden-Westbrook relationship is going to be one of the most fascinating dynamics to watch as the 2019-20 season plays out, as implosion or explosion (the good kind) seem to be the only two options.

The Rockets accounted for one of the Raptors’ nine home losses last season, so Nick Nurse’s team will be looking for revenge. This game is also going to play host to something bigger than basketball, as the Raptors will be honouring anti-apartheid revolutionary and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, which should be a special experience for all involved.

7. Raptors at Los Angeles Clippers – Nov. 11, 2019

Kawhi will come to Toronto, but first, Toronto will come to Kawhi. There will be plenty of handshakes, hugs and smiles between the Klaw and his former teammates, but once the game gets started, we know what to expect from number two.

The Clippers have assembled a front office and coaching staff with a relentless penchant for winning, and now the players have arrived to make their vision a reality.

Owner Steve Ballmer has some of the deepest pockets in sports, and he has assembled a Raptors-esque team around Kawhi, filled to the brim with gritty defenders who can get theirs at the offensive end of the floor as well. Make no mistake about it though, the Raptors can still lock down on D with the best of them.