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 28^th and finishing up with a tenfold of games on October 13^th.

Three days later is when things get serious and on October 16^th regular season tips-off.

They’ll be seven months of action before the playoffs then begin on April 13^th 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.