The 2018-19 NBL season schedule has been released, with star Sydney Kings recruit Andrew Bogut set to make his debut against the Adelaide 36ers on Saturday October 13 at Qudos Bank Arena.
The clash between the Kings and last year's runners-up is part of a seven-game opening round, with reigning premiers Melbourne United to take on the Illawarra Hawks at WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday October 12.
NBL chief executive Jeremy Loeliger said the league hoped to break the all-time attendance record for an opening round of 48,007 set back in 1995.
"With Andrew Bogut returning and a free agency period which saw a number of players move teams, we are confident we will break the record," he said.
The Kings will also face Melbourne United in the first Melbourne Cup-eve clash at Hisense Arena on Monday November 5, with Loeliger excited about building the rivalry between Australia's biggest cities.
"This game is set to ignite the rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney and should be another sell-out after a season of record attendances across the league last season," Loeliger said.
"This is a very exciting time for the NBL and Australian basketball. The game is enjoying enormous momentum and we think the NBL is the second best league in the world after the NBA.
"We are committed to offering a world class entertainment product fans can enjoy whether they are watching in stadium or on broadcast."
The NBL will have two breaks to allow for the Boomers to take part in FIBA World Cup qualifying games, between November 26 and December 4 and February 18 and 26.