While the Denver Nuggets didn’t fulfill their 2016-17 expectation of ending a four-year run of not making it to the postseason, it’s safe to say that last year was a glimpse into a bright future for the organization.

With rookies Juancho Hernangomez and Jamal Murray showing positive progression throughout the year, Gary Harris showcasing himself as a viable two-way player, Nikola Jokic emerging as a possible superstar in this league and the offseason acquisition of free-agent Paul Millsap, it’s the starting to feel as if the Nuggets are finally starting to get it together and are set to make some noise, the team deserves the fan base to back them.

On Monday, the Nuggets released the full 2017-18 season schedule, which can be found here, but we have you covered on some things you need to know before the season starts and some dates to remember.

Good Start, Adventurous March, Tough Finish

There should be an optimistic approach to the beginning of the season, as Denver has the opportunity to get off to a good start. While having five of their first seven games away from Pepsi Center isn’t what they hoped for, including their first extended road trip out East, Denver has a chance to start the year on a high note as they tip off the season against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Oct. 18 before heading back to the Pepsi Center to face Sacramento (Oct. 21) and Washington (Oct. 23). From there, they have the road trip where they play the likes of Charlotte, Atlanta, Brooklyn and New York (all winnable games).

If the Nuggets are in the playoff hunt after the All-Star break, they will be severely tested in March as they’ll play 12 of their 16 games on the road, and that includes a seven-game road trip to end the month. It will critical to get out to a good start if they want to still be playing some meaningful basketball to get ready for yet another nail-biting finish.

To finish the year, six of the team’s final 10 games are against teams projected to make the playoffs, and eight of the 10 are on the road. Denver has to face off against Washington, Toronto, Oklahoma City, Milwaukee, Minnesota (twice), the L.A Clippers and the Trailblazers to finish the season in what is expected to be the division that will be played the tightest. Each game during this stretch could potentially have playoff implications – buckle your seatbelts!

Mark Your Calendars

I’m sure there are some home games already scheduled on Nuggets fans’ calendars. Here’s a few I have my eye on…

Saturday, Nov. 4 when the defending champion Golden State Warriors arrive in the Mile High City.

Thursday, Nov. 9 when Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder come into town.

Saturday, March 3 when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are at the Pepsi Center.

One games I know will be on the mind of the players is Nov. 13 – a redemption game against Jusuf Nurkic and the Portland Trailblazers.

The Bosnian Beast put up a career high of 33 points and 15 rebounds against his former team in late March last season, a game which essentially led to Denver not making the playoffs, this game shall be circled.

Another game that should be circled is the return of Danilo Gallinari, who left Denver as a free agent this off season. He is now a part of the “revamped” roster that is the Los Angeles Clippers. L.A will be at the Pepsi Center on Feb. 27.

Nationally Televised Games

Last year, the Nuggets played only three televised games and this year they are looking at nine televised games. Here is the TV lineup and who they play:

Thursday, Nov. 9 vs Oklahoma City Thunder on TNT
Friday, Nov. 17 vs New Orleans Pelicans on ESPN
Tuesday, Nov. 28 @ Utah Jazz on ESPN
Wednesday, Jan. 17 @ Los Angeles Clippers on ESPN
Thursday, Feb. 1 vs Oklahoma City Thunder on ESPN
Tuesday, Feb. 13 vs San Antonio Spurs on TNT
Tuesday, Feb. 27 vs Los Angeles Clippers on TNT
Wednesday, March 7 vs Cleveland Cavaliers on ESPN
Thursday, April 5 vs Minnesota Timberwolves on TNT

Making the jump from three televised games to nine is significant and shows that the league is anticipating the Nuggets to have a better year. It’s a chance for the national audience to jump on. Seven of those nine games will be home games, so it’s on the fans to get back on board, show up to the games and support this young and exciting team. One that believes it can make the playoffs and end that drought.