Home start for 76ers as NBA releases schedule for 2019/20 season

Ben Simmons’ Philadelphia 76ers will commence their NBA season at home against key rivals the Boston Celtics after the league announced a schedule that is a little bit easier on players.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — MAY 09: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts in front of Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors after dunking the ball in the third quarter of Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 112-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mitchell Leff/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Ben Simmons and his Philadelphia 76ers will commence their NBA season at home against conference rivals Boston Celtics after the league announced a schedule that is a little bit easier on players.

The NBA announced its 2019-20 schedule on Monday, featuring a start a week later than that of last year, another dip in back-to-back games for teams and earlier tip-off times for the likes of Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.

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Ben Simmons and his Philadelphia 76ers will open their campaign against key conference rivals the Boston Celtics. Picture: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Teams will play 82 games with the regular season to commence a week later than usual on October 22 and end with 13 games on April 15, with the playoffs to start on April 18.

Joe Ingles and his Utah Jazz will get rolling at home against Oklahoma City Thunder on October 23 while his Boomers teammate Patty Mills and the San Antonio Spurs host the New York Knicks on the same night.

SEE FULL 2019/20 NBA SCHEDULE HERE

Toronto Raptors players will get their championship rings on opening night, October 22, when they host the New Orleans Pelicans and No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson.

The Lakers — now featuring Anthony Davis to play alongside LeBron James — will play at the Clippers — now featuring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George — in the second match of the opening night double header.

LA Lakers stars LeBron James (L) and Anthony Davis will feature in a blockbuster opening night double header. Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Other highlights include a packed Christmas Day schedule which includes Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia, Houston at Golden State, Clippers at Lakers, New Orleans at Denver Nuggets and Boston at Toronto.

Brooklyn Nets recruit Kyrie Irving returns to Boston to face the Celtics on November 27 while Houston Rockets’ Russell Westbrook will have to wait until January 9 to oppose his former team in Oklahoma City, after previously playing the Thunder at the Toyota Center in late October.

The All-Star Game is February 16 in Chicago with no NBA games scheduled from February 14-19.

Originally published as Home start for 76ers as NBA releases schedule for 2019/20 season