New York Knicks: 6 Games To Circle On 2016-17 Schedule

Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in action against Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in action against Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NBA has released the official 2016-17 schedule. Here are the six games all New York Knicks fans should have circled on their calendars.

New York Knicks: 6 Games To Circle On 2016-17 Schedule
Dec 21, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Magic defeated the Knicks 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Knicks, despite some lackluster seasons in recent years, are still a big draw for the NBA. This season they should be markedly improved, as Phil Jackson got to work during the offseason.

The Knicks’ roster is greatly upgraded going into the 2016-17 season, as Jackson made a number of moves to bring in established veterans next to Carmelo Anthony to get the team to the next level. First, it was a trade with the Chicago Bulls for Derrick Rose and Justin Holiday, and then the signings of Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee and Brandon Jennings as free agents.

In addition to those veterans, the Knicks were also very active overseas, bringing over 2015 second round pick Willy Hernangomez and Mindaugas Kuzminskas. They will be fighting for minutes on the second unit along with the retained and re-signed Lance Thomas, Kyle O’Quinn, and Sasha Vujacic.

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The Knicks were without a draft pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, but they still came away with solid prospects in Ron Baker and Marshall Plumlee out of the undrafted free agent pool. In addition, they also signed Chasson Randle, who performed exceptionally well with the Knicks in the Orlando Summer League.

As a result, the Knicks have a much-improved roster on paper. That is putting some expectations on the team, as they look poised to challenge for a playoff spot in the middle of the Eastern Conference. The schedule makers have taken notice as well, as the Knicks play 29 nationally televised games, nine of which are on TNT with another nine on ESPN.

The Knicks will draw a huge national audience whenever they are on television, but which games will peak the interest of fans the most? Here are the six biggest games on the Knicks 2016-17 schedule.

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