A year ago, the NBA schedule makers shot a big airball in terms of the Knicks and the Nets.
The two New York rivals were finished playing their four-game set on Jan. 21.
This year that has changed for the better as the the Knicks and Nets will square off twice in April, including in Game No. 71, which could have implications for the Atlantic Division title.
The two clubs will meet Dec. 5 at Brooklyn; Jan. 20 (MLK Day) at MSG; April 2 at MSG; and April 15 at Brooklyn.
The new-look Nets feature former Celtics Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry, along with Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez and should challenge for the division title.
“I can’t worry about that,’’ Carmelo Anthony told reporters earlier this week about other teams in the East. “The only thing I can worry about his my team. I can’t worry about other teams.’’
The Knicks open the season Oct. 30 at home against Milwaukee, and then play in Chicago the following night.
New Knick Andrea Bargnani will visit Toronto for the first time Dec. 28.
The Knicks host LeBron James and the NBA champion Heat Jan. 9 and Feb. 1.
Dwight Howard, Jeremy Lin and the Rockets visit MSG Nov. 14. Paul George and the Pacers debut at MSG Nov. 20. And Kobe Bryant (depending on his health) and the Lakers arrive in New York Jan. 26.
