Toronto Raptors to host Australian NBL champions in pre-season action

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#NBAxNBL

The Toronto Raptors preseason schedule is yet to be finalized but one of their games were announced on Tuesday night.

The Raptors will host Melbourne United of the Australian National Basketball League on October 5, 2018, at Scotiabank Arena. 

“The increased number of games symbolizes the continued strength of the NBL-NBA partnership and the growth of our league in Australia and New Zealand," NBL Owner and Executive Director Larry Kestelman said in a release.

"These initiatives continue to position the NBL as the second-best league and entertainment product in the world outside the NBA."

The NBL announced the game as part of a seven-game schedule that will see the pro league from Australia match up with NBA teams in preseason action.


The NBL and NBA played three preseason games a year ago with Melbourne United coming close to defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder - losing at the buzzer 86-85.

United won the NBL championship in a gruelling best of five series 3-2 over the Adelaide 36ers to claim their franchise's first title.

The full NBLxNBA schedule is below:

NBA TEAM

VENUE

DATE

Philadelphia 76ers

Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

9/28/2018

Utah Jazz

Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, UT

9/29/2018

LA Clippers

Stan Sheriff Center, Honolulu, HI

9/30/2018

Phoenix Suns

Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ

10/3/2018

Denver Nuggets

Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

10/5/2018

Toronto Raptors

Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada

10/5/2018

Utah Jazz

Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, UT

10/5/2018

Author(s)
Carlan Gay Photo

Carlan Gay is a deputy editor at The Sporting News.