The NBA is full of exciting new rookies, veterans on new teams and key contributors returning from injury as each season starts. A particularly wild offseason led to a ton of important faces in new places for this season, making the first few weeks even more compelling than they usually are.
While we are about six months away from the playoffs, the season’s first five days also provide a good early window into contenders old and new, including a high-profile matchup between the hopefully healthy Clippers and the potentially ascendant Jazz. League Pass fans also get the chance to see fascinating teams like the Timberwolves, Rockets and Warriors in fun, relevant games.
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Taking a little time to check in on how NBA teams start the 2016-17 season can set the tone for the season. This list can serve as a guide through the first six days. (All times are Eastern.)
No. 10 Heat at Magic
Wednesday, 7 p.m.: Both south Florida teams overhauled their rosters over the summer and this marks the first time we have seen the Heat without Dwyane Wade since April 15, 2003. Goran Dragic gets the opportunity to prove he can carry Miami’s offense while the Congo Line of Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo walls off the paint.
No. 9 Bucks at Pistons
Sunday, 6 p.m.: A nice test for two teams looking to improve of last season. Point Giannis and Jabari Parker will have to contend with Andre Drummond in the lane while Detroit faces the challenge of playing without point Guard Reggie Jackson.
No. 8 Suns at Thunder
Friday, 8 p.m.: Russell Westbrook and Eric Bledsoe were almost teammates years ago but compete well against each other whenever they get the chance. Devin Booker tries to expand on an impressive rookie season while new addition Victor Oladipo works to make an impression in Oklahoma City.
No. 7 Wizards at Hawks
Thursday, 7:30 p.m.: Continuing a tradition, Thursday features a League Pass game more interesting than its national TV counterpart. Dwight Howard’s first game at home as a member of the Hawks also provides a major test for new starting point guard Dennis Schroder as he faces John Wall.
No. 6 Pistons at Raptors
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.: The Raptors are where the Pistons want to be: in line to threaten the Cavs at the top of the Eastern Conference. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan fueled an unambiguously successful season but will need a strong performance by Jonas Valanciunas against Andre Drummond to beat Detroit.
No. 5 Timberwolves at Grizzlies
Wednesday, 8 p.m.: Minnesota will be League Pass darlings the whole season as Tom Thibodeau tries to shepherd this talented young team into the playoffs. Karl-Anthony Towns starts the season out with a chance to prove his place in the big man picture against a returning Marc Gasol.
No. 4 Jazz at Trail Blazers
Tuesday, 10 p.m.: An excellent game on Opening Night featuring two teams looking to succeed in dramatically different ways. Portland’s star guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum return while Utah will try to dominate inside and out with their talented frontcourt and underrated perimeter players. Watch how Portland defends rising star Rodney Hood because it will provide a clue of how they will try to stifle perimeter scorers this season.
No. 3 Rockets at Mavericks
Sunday, 8 p.m.: While Mike D’Antoni and the new-look Rockets have justifiably received a ton of attention in the preseason, Dallas overhauled their roster too by adding Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut to the starting lineup. James Harden should put up mindblowing stats this season and potentially push for MVP consideration but Wesley Matthews can force him to work more than most guys who cover the Bearded One.
No. 2 Warriors at Suns
Sunday, 6 p.m.: The Warriors are the central focus to start the season and their first game on League Pass will be an experience. Phoenix has a fascinating collection of young talent but veterans Eric Bledsoe and Jared Dudley likely draw the initial assignments on Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.
No. 1 Jazz at Clippers
Sunday, 4:30 p.m.: Appropriately, the jewel of League Pass’ first week has its own time slot. The Jazz have a chance to challenge the top teams in the West this season but will need their front line of Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert to handle Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan to take this one. Also, new addition George Hill gets to prove his mettle against Chris Paul, especially since Utah starts the season without Gordon Hayward’s creation on the wing.