It may seem like only yesterday that the confetti was falling in Cleveland as Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors completed the sweep over the Cleveland Cavaliers but after a typically dramatic off season, the NBA is back and for Australian hoops fans there's a bumper first week of action to look forward to, and it's all live on ESPN.
It's starts on Wednesday October 17 from 11am (AEDT) with a huge doubleheader as Ben Simmons and the 76ers head back to Boston to take on fellow Aussie Aron Baynes and the rejuvenated Celtics. That's followed as the Warriors, seeking a three-peat, receive their Championship rings before taking on Russell Westbrook, Paul George and the Thunder.
On Thursday we head to Houston for the Rockets and League MVP James Harden who start their season at 11am (AEDT) against Anthony Davis and the Pelicans. And from 1.35pm (AEDT) it's the start of a new era for the Dallas Mavericks, with Eurostar Luka Doncic and Aussie Ryan Broekhoff out to start the season with a bang in Phoenix against the Suns.
Friday is all about one man. After the biggest move of the offseason, LeBron James pulls on a Lakers jersey for the first time. You will not want to miss this as LA head to Portland - it's live from 2pm (AEDT) on ESPN 2.
The weekend swings into action from 11.15am (AEDT) Saturday, with new Raptor Kawhi Leonard back in action as Toronto host the Celtics, and then it's Jumping Joe time: Joe Ingles and the Jazz welcome Golden State to Utah. And we finish the weekend with LeBron's home bow as the Lakers welcome Harden, Paul and Carmelo to Staples Centre from 1.45pm (AEDT).
Stay across ESPN for all the news, reaction and highlights from the NBA season and follow @ESPNAusNZ on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Broadcast Schedule
Wednesday October 17
11am ESPN Celtics v 76ers
1.30pm ESPN Warriors v Thunder
Thursday October 18
11.15am ESPN Rockets v Pelicans
1.35pm ESPN Suns v Mavericks
Friday October 19
2pm ESPN 2 Trailblazers v Lakers
Saturday October 20
11.15am ESPN Raptors v Celtics
1.35pm ESPN Jazz v Warriors
Sunday October 21
1.45pm ESPN Lakers v Rockets