Now that the NBA has tipped off, the quality games will come thick and fast.
And there are three fixtures to get especially excited about in the coming days, but none more so than Lebron James' NBA debut for the Lakers.
Before that Ben Simmons' 76ers will look to notch up their first victory of the season against the visiting Bulls.
And on Saturday, two giants of the East do battle, with Boston traveling across the border to take on the Raptors.
Philadelphia 76ers v Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls get their season up and running against the 76ers in Philadelphia, in what is looking like a tough assignment first up.
The team from Chicago are in the middle of a rebuilding phase, and are not expected to challenge for a playoffs spot this season.
However, with a good crop of young talent that includes Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn, Bulls fans can look to the future with optimism.
LaVine and Markkanen both averaged above 15 points per game last campaign, and will only improve this time out.
But in bad news for this fixture, the seven-foot Finn Markkanen will miss this game, as well as the first three weeks of NBA action with a sprained elbow.
Against a young team without one of their stars, the 76ers will smell blood in the water, and the score could get ugly here.
The 76ers went down to the Celtics in their first game of the campaign, with star centre Joel Embiid having an ineffectual game by his lofty standards.
The Celtics defence put Embiid in a straight-jacket, and he will be relishing the opportunity of getting back on his home court and dominating.
Despite suffering an eighteen-point loss, Ben Simmons had a whale of a game with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks.
These stats show every bit of why Simmons was named rookie of the year.
But the stats alone can't convey why fans and pundits alike are raving about Simmons, and why vision of his highlights against Boston is necessary.
Key NBA stat
The 76ers have won their last 10 regular season NBA games at the Wells Fargo Centre: 76ers to win @ $1.13
NBA pick: 76ers to cover the -11.0 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: In the first game at Wells Fargo Centre for the season, and coming up against a team without one of their stars, expect the Sixers to win handsomely.
Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Lakers
The highlight game of Friday sees LeBron make his NBA debut for the Lakers, as they take to the court in Portland to do battle with the Trail Blazers.
The Lakers have been lighting it up in the preseason, highlighted by two victories over reigning premiers Golden State.
But it has been LA's younger players doing all the damage, particularly Brandon Ingram.
Like LeBron, Ingram is a multi-skilled player, and he will only flourish playing alongside James this season.
Despite this strong pre-season form, the NBA is a different beast, so don't expect the Lakers to come out and blaze the Trail Blazers off the court.
In fact, Portland are favourites for this clash, and rightly so.
Their backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have long called Portland home, and are the heart and soul of the Trail Blazers.
They seem to get better every year, as they spur each other on to greater heights.
Both Lillard and McCollum will be determined to put in a strong performance in what is also their season opener.
Vanquishing the bitter memories of last year's four and zip defeat to the Pelicans in the post-season will be top of their agenda.
And nothing would do that better than an impressive home win against the Lakers.
Key NBA Stat
The Trail Blazers have won 12 of their last 14 regular season NBA matches at the Moda Centre, by an average winning margin of 13 points.
NBA Pick: Portland to cover the -3.5 point line @ $1.92
Reasoning: While it's tempting to go for the Lakers with LeBron, they are still a work in progress. Put your money behind the tried and tested combo of Lillard and McCollum.
Toronto Raptors v Boston Celtics
Two teams that had impressive wins to begin their campaign face off in this clash.
This fixture also pits not just the two favourites of the Atlantic Division, but the whole Eastern Conference up against each other.
The Raptors have one of the most imposing home records in the NBA in recent seasons.
Even though they come up against a quality Boston side, Toronto locals can be confident of the W.
Especially after big-money signing Kawhi Leonard had a debut to remember, securing a double-double with 24 points and 13 boards.
Kyle Lowry also impressed in Toronto. He was on fire from deep, sinking five of his six 3-point attempts.
Furthermore, he didn't look lost on the court without his usual backcourt partner, DeMar DeRozan, who went the other way in the Leonard trade.
Another shooting performance like that from Lowry, and the Raptors will have a better than fair chance of starting the season at 2-0.
However, weathering all the 76ers flair and still prevailing by a comfortable 18 points suggests the Celtics will be up for this clash.
Jayson Tatum demonstrated why he is one of the best young guns going around, while Gordon Hayward put in a solid showing after a lengthy injury absence.
But the biggest positive that Boston will take is how comfortable their win was, even without star man Kyrie Irving having an impact.
He only managed 7 points in a quiet game, demonstrating there is so much room for improvement for both Irving and Boston in this game.
Despite the fact that the game will be played across the border in Canada, Boston's spread of scoring power may prove too much for Toronto to handle.
Key NBA Stat
In the first 13 games of the 2018/9 NBA season, only 4 away teams have won: Toronto to win @ $1.72
NBA Pick: Boston Celtics to win @ $2.13
Reasoning: The Raptors won't find scoring as easy against a Celtics side that kept the Sixers to only 87 points.
Boston meanwhile have more room to improve in the scoring department.
Oct 19, 2018 07:01 PM
AAP
NBA pick: 76ers to cover the -11.0 point line @ $1.92
