TORONTO (CP) - The Toronto Raptors will tip off their 11th season on Nov. 2 against the Washington Wizards, the NBA team announced Monday.

Toronto will play five of its first six games at the Air Canada Centre.
It marks the eighth time in team history that the club has started the regular season at home. Toronto's road opener is Nov. 5 against the Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons.

Former Raptor Vince Carter and the New Jersey Nets will make two visits to Toronto this season, on Nov. 4 and Jan. 8. Shaquille O'Neal and the Miami Heat will play at the Air Canada Centre on Nov. 20 and March 29. The defending champion San Antonio Spurs will make their only trip to Toronto on Feb. 8, and reigning league MVP Steve Nash of Victoria and the Phoenix Suns visit March 31.

The Raptors will have one five-game homestand this season (Jan. 29-Feb. 8) and two five-game road trips (Jan. 17-23, Feb. 13-27).

The Raptors missed the playoffs last season after finishing with a 33-49 record.