NBLxNBA 2019 unveiled: Next Stars clash, three NBL teams to play in NBA preseason
NBLxNBA is back again for round three. The NBA and Australia's NBL announced today that three NBL teams will travel to the United States to participate in the NBA 2019/20 preseason.
From 5 to 16 October 2019, three NBL teams (Adelaide 36ers, Melbourne United and SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers) will play five games against multiple NBA teams in the 2019/20 NBA preseason. This includes the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz.
The broadcast schedule in Australia and New Zealand will be announced at a later date.
“That this series is now heading into a third consecutive year is a reflection of the strength of partnership between the NBL and the NBA and the incredible growth and success of basketball in Australia and New Zealand,” said NBL chief executive Jeremy Loeliger. “The NBL is now one of the premier basketball leagues in the world outside the NBA and we can’t wait for October.”
When, where and who
The first game of the series features the Adelaide 36ers against the Utah Jazz on Saturday 5 October at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz roster currently includes two Australians in Dante Exum and Joe Ingles.
On 8 October, the SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers will play the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum, followed by a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday Oct. 10. The Thunder are led by Kiwi big man Steven Adams and former NBL player and Next Star, Terrance Ferguson.
The schedule culminates with two games featuring Melbourne United, with United going up against the Los Angeles Clippers on 13 October at STAPLES Center, followed by a game against the Sacramento Kings on 16 October at Golden 1 Center.
NBLxNBA game schedule
5 Oct Adelaide 36ers vs Utah Jazz
8 Oct SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers vs Memphis Grizzlies
10 Oct SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
13 Oct Melbourne United vs Los Angeles Clippers
16 Oct Melbourne United vs Sacramento Kings