Rachael McKriger's Top Five Games of 2016-17 Season

The NBA has a way of making everyone's jaw drop when they release their schedule for the upcoming season. People pick out games that will bring the most drama and games that could be possible upsets.

This NBA season, it's going to be quite different from years past. Yes, players have moved to different teams, which will cause drama. However, the NBA is going to be without some of their greats for the first time in two decades. With the retirements of Kobe Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, questions will arise of how teams will do without them.

Here's my look for the most notable match-ups this upcoming NBA season.

(photo credit: heatnation.com)

5. Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat: Nov. 10 in Miami.

The return of Dwyane Wade to Miami will certainly cause a stir. This offseason, Wade decided to sign with his hometown team the Chicago Bulls. While many Bulls fans were happy to bring Wade home, Heat fans, who were already without star player LeBron James, were sad to see another star player go.

The battle between Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade will be a good one. There's no doubt that both players have an immense amount of respect for each other, but when the two get on the court, there's one thing they both want: to win.

(photo credit: hardwoodparoxysm.com)

4. San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors: Oct. 25 in Oakland, CA.

The first game of the season for both teams will be more of a test for the San Antonio Spurs than it will be the Golden State Warriors, While the Spurs still have Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili on the court it will be the team's first regular season action without Duncan. While the team got Pau Gasol this offseason to help with the absence of Duncan, one cannot truly replace Duncan's game or leadership.

As for Golden State, it will be their first time trying out Kevin Durant in a Warriors uniform. The trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Durant will be one tough force in the NBA.

(photo credit: cantguard.me)

3. San Antonio Spurs vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jan. 21 in Cleveland.

Whether it was two years ago or not, everyone loves a good re-match of the NBA Finals. A popular final was between the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers. Again, this match will be much different, as James is used to the big body of Duncan blocking his shots. Seeing James go against Gasol will be a match-up to watch.

Another match-up to watch for will be Gasol and Kevin Love. Both are extremely tall basketball players, with Love being 6'10 and Gasol standing tall at 7'0. The rebounds should be interesting to watch.

(photo credit: cleveland.cbslocal.com)

2. New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Oct. 25 in Cleveland.

The NBA season opener is a big rivalry. These two teams have been rivals for decades. Also throw in the fact that Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks just passed James as the all-time leading scorer for Team USA's Men's Basketball Team, just to stir a bit of tension. Maybe if James had gone to Rio...

All eyes will be on Cleveland, especially after giving James a three year, $100 million contract. James has to live up to the hype of his contract, and of his fans in Cleveland, or else it won't be a happy season for him.

(photo credit: bleacherreport.com)

1. Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Feb. 11 in Oklahoma City.

Whether everyone else picks this as their number one game or not, it's going to be on everyone's list. The "reunion" of Durant to Oklahoma City will be interesting, depending all on the fan reaction. Frankly, many don't think that burning Durant's jersey in the streets after word of him going to Golden State is going to make for happy fans in the arena.

Just as long as they don't try to grab Durant and burn his actual jersey off, everything should be (remotely) fine.