Raptors to open 2013-14 season at home vs. Celtics

The Toronto Raptors will open the 2013-14 NBA season at home on Oct. 30 against the Boston Celtics.

It's the fourth time in the past five seasons the team has kicked off its season at the Air Canada Centre.

The Raptors will then head on the road for a Nov. 1 game in Atlanta.

Other dates Toronto fans may want to mark on their calendars include Dec. 28 when former Raptor Andrea Bargnani returns with the New York Knicks, Jan. 19 when Canadian star Steve Nash and the Lakers visit and Feb. 21 when first overall draft pick Anthony Bennett of Brampton, Ont., comes to town with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Defending champion Miami visits the Air Canada Centre on Nov. 5 and Nov. 29, according to the schedule released Tuesday.

The team's longest road swing is five games from Jan. 31 to Feb. 7 while the longest homestand is four games from Nov. 22 to Dec. 1.

The Raptors' busiest month is January with 17 games, including a season-high nine at home. They'll play a season-high nine games on the road in December.