Utah Jazz schedule release: Here's what we're watching

The intrigue: They enter the year with new head coach Will Hardy and without their defensive anchor Rudy Gobert who was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason.

Notable home games: A matchup between the Jazz and New York Knicks is slated for Nov. 15. The Knicks have come up often as a potential landing spot for All-Star Donovan Mitchell.

• Gobert and the Timberwolves make their first trip to Salt Lake City on Dec. 9. (The Jazz also play against Minnesota for their second game of the year but that's a roadie.)
• The Jazz will host the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 28 in a playoff rematch. Dallas eliminated Utah in the first round last year.
• Fans will get a chance to see LeBron James and the Lakers on Nov. 7.
• And our editor Ross' team, the Atlanta Hawks, pay Utah a visit on Feb. 3. You will see him there.

Of note: No games will be held on Election Day, Nov. 8, in an effort to encourage civic engagement, the AP reports.

• Instead, every NBA team will play the night before midterm elections and are being asked to encourage fans to get to the polls.