NBA Schedule: 7 Biggest Games for the New York Knicks in 2012-13

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The 2012-13 NBA schedule has finally be released, and as always, we're going to be treated to some great matchups and basketball action next season.

With 32 nationally-televised games, and plenty of mouth-watering storylines, the New York Knicks are going to have their fair share of big games as they look for their first title in 40 years.

I'm going to take you through the seven biggest games for New York, and tell you why each one is a must-see for any Knicks fan.

Opening Game: Knicks at Nets

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Date/Time: Thu, November 1 at 7 p.m. (All times Eastern)

Location: Barclays Center

TV: TNT

The Knicks-Nets rivalry promises to be one of the best in the NBA now that both teams are in New York City, and they'll meet for the first time since Brooklyn's relocation in their opening game.

The game won't take place on opening night, but will still be in the spotlight as the first TNT Thursday Night Basketball game of the season.

The sheer fact that both teams will likely be in the upper echelons of the Eastern Conference next season is enough to promise a good game, but the idea that both teams are battling for bragging rights in the city of New York makes it so much more exciting.

Joe Johnson is already talking up the Nets as the best team in New York, but the first meeting between the two will give us a bigger idea of who truly is the top dog.

Home Opener: Knicks vs. Heat

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Date/Time: Fri, November 2 at 8 p.m.

Location: Madison Square Garden

TV: ESPN

After an embarrassing first round defeat to them a few months ago, the Knicks will play their home opener against the world champion Miami Heat in a matchup that's always worth watching.

Now that the Knicks are back to full health, they should put up a much more competitive effort against the Heat, and their revamped bench should help out, too.

Miami will undoubtedly be the favourites, but if the Knicks are to win it all next season, they'll have to find a way to beat the Heat eventually.

Linsanity 2.0: Knicks vs. Rockets

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Date/Time: Mon, December 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Madison Square Garden

TV: NBA TV

Linsanity took New York by storm last season, and December 17 will see round two with a slight twist—this time Jeremy Lin will be playing for the opposing Rockets.

After some magical performances at MSG last season, you can expect for Lin to show up big once again, but will that be enough to overcome the overall more talented roster that the Knicks expect?

If for nothing else, the game is worth watching just to see what kind of reception Lin gets from the Garden crowd after signing that infamous modified offer sheet with Houston.

Christmas Day: Knicks at Lakers

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Date/Time: Tue, December 25 at 3 p.m.

Location: Staples Center

TV: ABC

Christmas is a time most enjoy anyway, but for basketball fans the annual quintuple header of marquee games just makes the holiday so much more fun.

After two years of playing at home on Christmas, the Knicks will instead travel to LA to take on the Lakers at Staples Center—a matchup of the league's two biggest franchises.

The two biggest media markets in the NBA will be focusing on the game, and there are plenty of potential storylines that could play out.

There's the matchup of Kobe and Melo—who always look to elevate their games against each other—and, of course, Steve Nash taking on the Knicks after spurning them to move to Tinseltown instead.

No matter what happens, we'll be in for a great spectacle, as two big playoff teams go at it.

As an inter-conference game between two good teams, who knows—it could be a Finals preview.

Melo Returns to Denver: Knicks at Nuggets

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Date/Time: Wed, March 13 at 10:30 p.m.

Location: Pepsi Center

TV: ESPN

Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Knicks almost a year-and-a-half ago now, but he's still yet to return to his old stomping ground.

Despite the fact that both parties have moved on since then, you can imagine that Melo will be hearing it from the Denver crowd, and the Nuggets team will be highly motivated to get the W.

Melo's the type of player who steps it up in the spotlight, though, and this could cause some problems for the Nuggets.

Anthony won't be the only former Nugget returning to Denver, as the Knicks' roster also features J.R. Smith, Marcus Camby, Raymond Felton and James White—all of whom have spent time playing in the Mile-High City.

Felton Returns to Portland: Knicks @ Trail Blazers

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Date/Time: Thu, March 14 at 10:30 p.m.

Location: Rose Garden

TV: TNT

Raymond Felton had a torrid time in Portland last season, as his career-worst year contributed to what was a complete meltdown for the Blazers.

Still with the bad taste in his mouth, Felton will be looking to stick it to his former team, and those who ripped him for his play last year.

The UNC product said as much at his basketball camp this summer, claiming half-jockingly that he'll come back and drop 50 on them.

Fifty points is probably a bit of a stretch, but you can certainly expect a big day for Felton on his return to the Rose Garden.

Final Game of the Regular Season: Knicks vs. Hawks

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Date/Time: Wed, April 17 at 8 p.m.

Location: Madison Square Garden

TV: MSG

With the Knicks looking to push for the Atlantic Division title next season, the race for the pennant with the Celtics and Sixers could go down to the wire—making the last game of the regular season against the Atlanta Hawks very important.

Even if the Knicks know exactly what seed they'll be by the time the game rolls around, gaining momentum on the way to the postseason is a great way to build confidence.

Al Horford and Josh Smith (providing he isn't traded at the deadline) will stand in the Knicks' way, but now that Joe Johnson has been traded away the Hawks might not be quite as good as they have been over the last few years.