East semis and West play-in rematch
Bucks vs Nets: Oct. 20, 7:30 AM (PHT) on NBA League Pass
The 75th season of the league debuts with a double-header featuring a pair of heavyweights.
The first game is between the defending champions Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Brooklyn Nets. In last year's playoffs, the two East titans locked horns and gave us a series to remember, including a nail-biter Game 7. Kevin Durant proved that he remains an elite scorer and that nobody in the league can guard him. On the other hand, the Bucks feature players with renewed confidence especially after winning the title. Giannis Antetokounmpo tapped into something extraordinary when he rose into one of the best Finals performers this game has ever seen.
Lakers vs Warriors: Oct. 20, 10:00 AM (PHT) on NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay App
Over at the Western Conference, the new-look, eager-to-prove Los Angeles Lakers face their play-in tournament foe, the Golden State Warriors. The 2020 champs are looking to avenge their injury-laden postseason. The Lakers are star-studded, headlined by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Warriors, on the other hand, will still rely on Stephen Curry as the focal point of their offense. These two teams are among the West's best attractions and it's always a treat to witness Steph versus LeBron.
Kemba Walker’s Knicks debut
Knicks vs Celtics: Oct. 21, 7:30 AM (PHT) on NBA League Pass
Kemba Walker makes his debut as a New York Knick and it will be at the Madison Square Garden no less. Plus, he will go against his former team, the Boston Celtics. The Knicks and Celtics have had their battles in years past and this season offers a rivalry in the making. The Knicks are coming off a solid season, including a playoff appearance, while the Celtics’ management revamp will hopefully give the team a much-needed boost.
Luka Doncic versus Trae Young
Mavericks vs Hawks: Oct. 22, 7:30 AM (PHT) on One Sports
Two of the league's brightest stars go head-to-head as Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks duke it out with Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. Jason Kidd is the new head coach of the Mavericks and it will be interesting to see how the legendary point guard will work with the young playmaker. The Hawks, meanwhile, will look to build on last season's playoff success.
LeBron, Melo take on CP3 and the Suns
Suns vs Lakers: Oct. 23, 10:00 AM (PHT) on NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay App
Old friends meet at center court as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and the rest of the Lakers host Chris Paul and the Suns. It's well known that these three are all friends off the court and it's safe to say that all three will be future Hall of Famers. The Suns and the Lakers represent the best in the West. And since these two squads are in the same division, we will get to see a lot of their matchups all season long.
Young Grizzlies face off against Clippers
Grizzlies vs Clippers: Oct. 24, 10:30 AM (PHT) on NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay App
After a solid postseason debut, Ja Morant is hungry for more in Year 3. Are the Grizzlies good enough to be in the top six and avoid the play-in tourney? Only time will tell. The Grizzlies have an early test in the form of the Clippers, who need a little bit of soul-searching themselves this season without Kawhi Leonard. Paul George is fresh off a spectacular playoff run and he'll be eager to prove to doubters that he can steer the Clippers into a winning season without his fellow superstar.
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