In what has amounted to the shortest pre-season in US professional sporting history, the 2020/21 NBA season started this week.
Only 72 days has passed since the LA Lakers won the NBA title at Disney World in Florida.
Different amount of games in regular season
This campaign will be slightly different with 72 regular games instead of the normal 82. Some arenas will be allowed to let fans in and some wont. The season itself is scheduled to finish in May 2021.
The LA lakers have refreshed their roster, but still boast the best player in the league. LeBron James may be 35 years young, but this will be his 18th season as a pro. Along with Anthony Davis, once again the Lakers will be the side to beat.
Can the Clippers improve on last seasons disappointment?
Another side in Los Angeles, the Clippers may disagree with that statement after a disappointing showing last season. The bookmakers favourites last campaign, they lost in the play-offs to the Denver Nuggets 4-3. However, with the quality of players in the shape of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George they look to have a team that will seriously challenge this term.
This season will see a welcome return back on court to Kevin Durant after a long term in jury. The Brooklyn Nets forward has been out of the sport for a while. When he made his debut for the Nets on December 13th it had been 552 days since he last played.
Welcome back Kevin Durant after long term injury
The 32-year-old suffered an Achilles tendon injury whilst playing for the Golden State Warriors his previous club in June 2019. He signed for the Nets shortly afterwards and will be keen to impress for his new club.
One of the most dominate players in the NBA in the past few seasons has been Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek born player earlier this month signed the richest deal in US basketball history. A five-year contract extension worth over $228m with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Greek MVP could deliver this season
The 26-year-old is the reigning MVP and defensive player of the league. The Bucks will be looking to him to shine in search of their first NBA title since 1971.
The best shooter in the game has to be the experienced Stephen Curry. The 32-year-old is a three-time NBA winner and a vital key for Warriors.
What about the rookies
A rookie player to watch this season could well be James Wiseman. Standing at 7ft tall, drafted by the Golden State Warriors his long-range shooting is exceptional.
Another rookie to look out for is Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is the 2020 draft first overall pick.
Season starts with two opening games
The season started on Tuesday with the Nets beating Golden State Warriors 125-99 with Curry picking up 20 points and 10 assists for Warriors and Kyrie Irving leading the Nets with 26 points.
In the other opening game of the season in an all-Los Angeles affair the Clippers beat the Lakers 116-109. Paul George scored 33 points for the Clippers with James picking up 22 points for the Lakers.