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When is 2016-17 NBA opening night?

By Cody Williams

Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taking a look at when NBA opening night will be for the 2016-17 season and which teams will be playing

NBA fans know that the preseason is just an appetizer. By the end of the preseason, it’s basically guys at the end of the bench or trying to make the roster attempting to prove themselves. While that’s fun and still enjoyable for many basketball fans, everyone’s left wanting more. Consequently, everyone finds themselves looking ahead to NBA opening night.

The first night of the regular season is always a special one. Not only does it signify the start of a months-long journey for the league and fans, but also because marquee matchups are put on display to get everyone ready for the year.

Of course, the NBA opening night for the 2016-17 season is no exception to that.

There will be two nationally televised games on the first night of the regular season, both airing on TNT. The first will feature the defending NBA Champions in the Cleveland Cavaliers welcoming the New York Knicks to Quicken Loans Arena for an Eastern Conference clash. Out of the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors welcoming the San Antonio Spurs will be a huge matchup and one that could preview the West Finals come playoff time.

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However, there’s also another game on the docket that will be airing locally and on League Pass. Actually, this could be a dark-horse to steal the show on NBA opening night as well. The Utah Jazz will head north to take on the Portland Trail Blazers. Many have high hopes for this Jazz team and the Blazers are coming off a fantastic year. Consequently, this should be a great matchup.

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This all begs the question of when NBA opening night falls. We won’t have to wait long to get into the fold as the regular season tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 25 with the first tip at 8 p.m. ET. I assume I speak for everyone when I say that date can’t come soon enough.

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