Everything you need to know ahead of the new NBA season
The key dates and latest odds for the 2018 NBA campaign
The new NBA season begins next week. And with a host of stories bubbling under the surface it’s time to get down to how and where you can watch the new ‘ball season.
30 teams are split into two regions – the Eastern and Western Conference – for the right to enter the prestigious NBA Playoffs from April 2019.
Here’s all you need to know as the preparations start for the NBA schedule…
When does the NBA season start and finish?
It’s already a few weeks into the pre-season with warm-up games taking place from September 28th and finishing up with a tenfold of games on October 13th.
Three days later is when things get serious and on October 16th regular season tips-off.
They’ll be seven months of action before the playoffs then begin on April 13th 2019 between the top eight teams from each conference and run through until June.
The knock-out rounds will leave two teams to battle it out for the NBA championship later in June.
What are the opening fixtures?
It all begins in Boston as the Celtics with a fully-fit Kyrie Irving host the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference.
Reigning champions Golden State Warriors then follow in the Western division as Kevin Durant takes on former team Oklahoma City Thunder.
Other opening week highlights include LeBron James’ competitive LA Lakers debut at the Portland Trail Blazers.
Houston Rockets play the Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs play the Minnesota Timberwolves.
When is the NBA in the London?
The NBA returns to London for the ninth time since 2011 as the Washington Wizards face the New York Knicks at the O2 Arena on Thursday 17th January 2019.
Last year’s UK match-up between the Celtics and the 76ers sold out in seconds.
BT Sports coverage will cease at the end of October, with the only way to see Steph Curry, James and Durant in action is to buy an NBA League Pass.
What are the odds?
Golden State are 4/7 to retain their title in April. The ‘galacticos’ of NBA have retained all their star men and have added DeMarcus Cousins.
Their gong may be challenged by the Boston Celtics at 6/1. Led by last season’s MVP James Harden, the Houston Rockets are 8/1 to take the win.
LeBron is 11/1 to lead the Lakers to the championship.
James’ absence at the Cleveland Cavaliers has plummeted the 2016 winners to 250/1 outsiders.
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Big game previews, betting tips and transfer news – Coral have it all.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
