We now know which teams will open the upcoming NBA season.
On Oct. 19 (ET), the 2021-22 season will begin with a pair of star-studded matchups. First, a meeting between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets that will feature Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. Second, a showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors that will feature LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and potentially Klay Thompson.
The NBA will tip off it's landmark 75th Anniversary Season on Tuesday, October 19.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 17, 2021
Time to mark the calendar! 🗓️ pic.twitter.com/4ghwVhlQ5Y
The Bucks and Nets battled in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The series went to seven games, with the Bucks outlasting the Nets in a thrilling Game 7 that was decided in overtime. Durant led the Nets with 48 points in Game 7 while Antetokounmpo finished with a 40-point, 13-rebound double-double.
The Bucks went on to defeat the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals, followed by the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals to capture their first championship in 50 years.
The Warriors and Lakers played each other in last season's Play-In Game for the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Led by a 22-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double from LeBron, the Lakers won by a final score of 103-100. Curry scored a game-high 37 points in a losing effort.
The Lakers, Nets, Bucks and Warriors have the four-best championship odds next season.
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