The waiting is almost over for the start of the new season and we take a look at what’s in store on the opening weekend.

 

This week’s schedule – watch ALL games LIVE over at livebasketball.tv

 

Friday 21 September 2018
(CH) London Lions v Radisson RED Glasgow Rocks, 7:30pm
(CH) Esh Group Eagles Newcastle v Cheshire Phoenix, 7:30pm
(CH) Worcester Wolves v Plymouth Raiders, 7:30pm
(CH) DBL Sharks Sheffield v Manchester Giants, 7:30pm
 
Saturday 22 September 2018
(CH) Surrey Scorchers v Radisson RED Glasgow Rocks, 7pm
(CH) Bristol Flyers v London City Royals, 7:30pm
 
Sunday 23 September 2018
(CH) Plymouth Raiders v London Lions, 3pm
(CH) Cheshire Phoenix v Worcester Wolves, 5:30pm

 

LBTV Pick of the Week: Worcester Wolves v Plymouth Raiders

Details: Friday 21 September, 7:30pm, University of Worcester, BBL Championship

Paul James returns to his former side on opening night after almost nine years in Worcester. The new Raiders play-caller has the likes of returning stars Josh Wilcher and Donte Nicholas at his disposal, while the Wolves hand out several BBL debuts – including England international Adam Thoseby – as they embark on a new era themselves under new head coach, Ty Shaw.
 
“It’s always a tough test playing in Worcester – they get great support there. We’ve had a very tough pre-season so the group is excited and ready for opening night,” – Josh Wilcher, Plymouth guard.

Last time they met: Wolves 95-84 Raiders (Championship, February 2018)
 

Details: Friday 21 September, 7:30pm, Copper Box Arena, BBL Championship

The Lions defeated the Rocks at the Emirates Arena to book their place in the Play-Off Final last season and the two teams open up the 2018-19 campaign. Both sides have retained key pieces combined with some exciting new recruits including Ladarius Tabb and Greg Pryor.

Last time they met: Rocks 77-91 Lions (Play-Offs Semi-Final, May 2018)
 
Esh Group Eagles Newcastle v Cheshire Phoenix

Details: Friday 21 September, 7:30pm, Sport Central, BBL Championship

Victor Moses makes his return to the BBL and immediately faces his former team having starred for Cheshire in the 2015-16 season. The Eagles have also brought back two-time league MVP, Rahmon Fletcher, and suffered two defeats at the hands of Ben Thomas’ side last season including in the Quarter-Finals of the BBL Cup.

Last time they met: Eagles 83-100 Phoenix (Championship, February 2018)

DBL Sharks Sheffield v Manchester Giants

Details: Friday 21 September, 7:30pm, EIS Sheffield, BBL Championship

The Sharks hold a 19-3 head-to-head record since the Giants returned to the BBL in 2012, though Danny Byrne’s did claim their scalp as one of their four league wins last season. The incredible athleticism of Dirk Williams will be on show once again in the BBL as he begins a second year with the Yorkshire club.

Last time they met: Giants 87-83 Sharks (Championship, April 2018)

Surrey Scorchers v Radisson RED Glasgow Rocks

Details: Saturday 22 September, 7pm, Surrey Sports Park, BBL Championship

Another side out to avenge a Play-Offs defeat from last season as the Scorchers were eliminated by Glasgow, despite extending their winning streak at home to 11 straight with victory in the First Leg. The fixture completes a tough opening weekend on the road for the Rocks.

Last time they met: Rocks 99-75 Scorchers (Play-Offs Quarter-Final, May 2018)

Bristol Flyers v London City Royals

Details: Saturday 22 September, 7:30pm, SGS Wise Arena, BBL Championship

Bristol are no longer the newcomers in the league as they enter their fifth season by welcoming the BBL’s latest franchise, London City Royals. The capital side have stated their ambitions with high-profile signings, but face a testing start on the road against Andreas Kapoulas’ side.

First-ever meeting

Plymouth Raiders v London Lions

Details: Sunday 23 September, 3pm, Plymouth Pavilions, BBL Championship

Coach James goes from his former home on Friday night to his new home as Plymouth host the Lions to cap a double-header start for both sides. Reigning MVP Justin Robinson scored a game-high 20 points in his team’s last visit to Devon.
 
Last time they met: Lions 93-84 Raiders (Championship, April 2018)

Cheshire Phoenix v Worcester Wolves

Details: Sunday 23 September, 5:30pm, Cheshire Oaks Arena, BBL Championship

Cheshire are back at home on Sunday evening and the likes of Louis Sayers, Ashton Khan, Sol Rolls-Tyson and Momcilo Latinovic will enjoy being on the other side of the court having all previously been in opposition. A first road trip for the Wolves with only Jordan Whelan featuring in the league last season – at Manchester.

Last time they met: Wolves 110-78 Phoenix (Championship, April 2018)