ESPN on FOX comes to NBLvNBA party
TweetNBL fans with FOX TV packages will be delighted six of the forthcoming seven preseason games against NBA teams will be telecast on ESPN, tipping off with champion Melbourne United taking on the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.
New Zealand Breakers, Perth Wildcats, Adelaide 36ers and Sydney Kings will join United in road matches against NBA outfits.
The only game which won't be on ESPN - Adelaide 36ers v Utah Jazz on October 6 - will be available on NBL TV.
Last year, Sydney Kings performed admirably against Utah in Salt lake City and Brisbane Bullets had their moments against Phoenix Suns.
But United went within a point of upsetting Oklahoma City Thunder, prompting the NBA to go for seven games against our NBL teams, the most matches NBA teams will play against teams from an international league in a single preseason.
Aussies Ben Simmons and Jonah Bolden, plus NBL Championship coach and past Boomers boss Brett Brown (together, above), will be plotting Melbourne’s downfall at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.
“We’re delighted fans will be able to watch these games on ESPN,” NBL owner and chairman Larry Kestelman said.
“The increased number of games symbolises the continued strength of the NBL-NBA partnership and the growth of our league in Australia and New Zealand.
“This series continues to position the NBL as the second best league and entertainment product in the world outside the NBA.”
While the Euroleague may believe otherwise, there’s no question Australia’s reputation is burgeoning within NBA circles.
Perth will hit Utah, where Aussies Joe Ingles and Dante Exum (above) are mainstays, then head for the Denver Nuggets, where Torrey Craig now resides.
Adelaide also will get to see South Aussie superstar Ingles in a familiar role at the Jazz - playing AGAINST his hometown 36ers.
All matches also will be live on NBA League Pass and on delay on NBL TV, except Adelaide v Utah which will be broadcast live on NBL TV.
NBL-NBA Series
Melbourne United v Philadelphia 76ers (Wells Fargo Center) Saturday, September 29, 9am AEST
Perth Wildcats v Utah Jazz (Vivant Smart Home Arena) Sunday, September 30, 11am AEST
Sydney Kings v LA Clippers (Stan Sheriff Center, Honolulu) Monday, October 1, 2.30pm AEST
New Zealand Breakers v Phoenix Suns (Talking Stick Resort Arena) Thursday, October 4, 3pm NZST
Melbourne United v Toronto Raptors (Scotiabank Arena) Saturday, October 6, 9am AEST
Adelaide 36ers v Utah Jazz (Vivint Smart Home Arena) Saturday, October 6, 10am AEST
Perth Wildcats v Denver Nuggets (Pepsi Center) Saturday, October 6, 11am AEST