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The defending champions Milwaukee Bucks will meet the Brooklyn Nets to open the 2021-22 NBA season, according to the league. The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Golden State Warriors in the second game of the day.
The Bucks defeated the Nets 4-3 in the second round of the Eastern conference playoffs this year, but Brooklyn was without Kyrie Irving and had an injured James Harden playing for the last three games of the series. Kevin Durant nearly singlehandedly eliminated the Bucks, but Milwaukee held firm in overtime to win the series and eventually go on to win the title. This could be a conference finals preview.
The Lakers made a big move in the offseason, trading for point guard Russell Westbrook to form a new star trio in Los Angeles. They’ll face off against the Golden State Warriors, who hope to have Klay Thompson back as the franchise hopes to extend its dynasty. The Warriors did not add another star this offseason, opting to develop young talent instead. We’ll see how that strategy pays off.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Nets are the title favorites at +210. The Lakers are second at +380. Although the Bucks are the defending champions and will bring nearly everyone back, the oddsmakers have them at +850 as a distant third. The Warriors are currently fourth at +1000, but those odds could improve depending on how Thompson looks.
Here is the full list of games for the opening week of the 2021-22 season.
Tuesday, October 19
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors, 10:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Wednesday, October 20
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets, 10:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Thursday, October 21
Atlanta Hawks vs. Dallas Mavericks, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 10:00 p.m. ET, TNT
Friday, October 22
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns, 10:00 p.m. ET, ESPN