The NBA returns to ESPN with a massive live double-header involving NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks and a star studded Los Angeles Lakers-Golden State Warriors showdown.
Season 2021-22 is set to be one of the biggest in NBA history as a host of contenders form to chase the NBA crown.
After a stunning season that saw the Milwaukee Bucks end a long 50-year drought for NBA silverware, the Bucks will open the 2021-22 NBA season live on ESPN.
Milwaukee hit the court for their title defence against the Brooklyn Nets at 10.30am AEDT, live on ESPN.
Aussie star Patty Mills will begin his new life with the Nets, having made the move from San Antonio Spurs in the offseason. Mills adds further class to an already impressive Brooklyn lineup including superstars James Harden, Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin.
The stacked Brooklyn side will be a difficult first-up opponent for the Bucks, who will hope it is a night of celebration, as they unveil their NBA Championship banner at Fiserv Forum.
Following live at 1pm AEDT, the action turns to the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where the Lakers begin the new campaign in another blockbuster affair against the Golden State Warriors.
After the disappointment of an early playoffs exit last time around, pressure is on the Lakers to deliver.
Los Angeles have added Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony to provide some additional star power to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
It is not the only big test facing the Warriors in the opening week of the new season, as Golden State back up on Friday to take on the Los Angeles Clippers.
Thursday sees another live double header from 10.45am AEDT, headlined by the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets.
The Suns fell short of a first ever NBA Championship last season and many have them as contenders again in 2021-22.
The Suns are also in action on Saturday October 23, live on ESPN at 1pm AEDT against the Los Angeles Lakers, an early season clash between two of the expected favorites in the Western Conference.
It continues a stacked schedule of NBA basketball live on ESPN and ESPN2, across the opening days of the new season.
ESPN’s dedicated coverage of the 2021-22 season is proudly sponsored by Hungry Jack’s and will ensure basketball fans are covered from every angle.
NBA fans can catch dedicated NBA Mini’s on demand, as well as full replays across a smorgasbord of regular season and post-season NBA action, including the NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals.
ESPN.com.au will also bring in-depth coverage and analysis throughout the season, making it a destination for any NBA fan.
Week One NBA on ESPN
Wednesday October 20
10.30am AEDT, Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks, ESPN
1pm AEDT, Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN
Thursday October 21
10.45am AEDT, Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks, ESPN
1pm AEDT, Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns, ESPN
Friday October 22
10.30am AEDT, Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks, ESPN2
1pm AEDT, Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors, ESPN2
Saturday October 23
10.45am AEDT, Brooklyn Nets vs Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN
1pm AEDT, Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN
Sunday October 24
10.30am AEDT, Dallas Mavericks vs Toronto Raptors, ESPN
Wednesday October 27
10.30am AEDT, Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks, ESPN2
1pm AEDT, Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz, ESPN2
ESPN and ESPN2 linear channels are available via Foxtel, Kayo Sports,
