Three months ago the Milwaukee Bucks were crowned NBA champions. In what feels like the blink of an eye the 2021-22 season is already on our doorstep.
The Bucks are looking to defend their title while the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets lead the charge of contenders in hot pursuit.
Before we get to opening night we have the preseason. Get yourself fully prepared by checking out this list of games you won't want to miss!
Nets at Lakers - October 3 (ET)
The preseason opener is a no brainer.
It remains to be seen who will take the floor when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Brooklyn Nets but there is enough star power on each squad to suggest this should be an entertaining contest.
It could also be the Lakers debut for Russell Westbrook.
The perfect way to whet the appetite for when the two heavyweights collide on Christmas Day.
76ers at Raptors - October 4 (ET)
NBA hoops is back in Toronto!
After a year-long stay in Tampa Bay, Raptors fans will look to put last season in the rear vision mirror and start the run back to the postseason.
No Kyle Lowry leaves the Raptors tipping off a new era. As for the Sixers, well, they will likely just be happy to get on the court.
Wizards at Rockets - October 5 (ET)
Remember last season when these two traded superstars?
Russell Westbrook is now on the Lakers and John Wall is hoping for a trade out of Houston.
Instead, each roster has undertaken a major overhaul in the last 12 months and while major success might not be on the cards this season there is enough intrigue to see how the pieces fall.
The youth movement is in place with the Rockets behind Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., while the Wizards added Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell in the offseason.
Spurs at Pistons - October 6 (ET)
When your team drafts at the top you go through levels of excitement.
Summer League is the first step, then you move to preseason.
For Pistons fans, this could be their first glimpse of Cade Cunningham on his home floor. The Pistons aren't expected to contend for the playoffs this season but Cunningham is projected as a star of the future and it all starts with this preseason game.
Hornets at Heat - October 11 (ET)
Led by LaMelo Ball, the Hornets climbed the standings in 2020-21.
Charlotte is once again expected to be one of the top teams to track on League Pass. In this matchup, they meet up with the experienced Miami Heat.
Adding Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker to a veteran squad, Miami is projected to finish ahead of young rising teams like the Hornets, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks.
This could be a fun measuring stick preseason game.
Warriors at Lakers - October 12 (ET)
Who could forget the Play-in Tournament game between these two teams?
Golden State is hoping to reach the postseason after a two-year absence and a potential matchup with the Lakers could loom.
Let's get things started in the preseason in front of what you know will be a full crowd.
Stephen Curry and LeBron James on the same floor? Sign me up.
Mavericks at Bucks - October 15 (ET)
Jason Kidd gets his first opportunity to coach against the Bucks since they parted ways in 2018.
Since Kidd left, the Bucks have become contenders in each season before ultimately winning the title in 2021.
It's only the preseason, but you get the feeling Kidd is going to get one back on the Bucks every time they meet.
Oh yeah, there's also Luka and Giannis which is fun.
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