Houston (CBS Houston)- Basketball season is almost upon us. NBA released today its 2013 preseason schedule which tips off Dwight Howard’s debut as a Houston Rocket as they face off Ryan Anderson and the New Orleans Pelicans and on Oct.5 in Houston. International play also begins that day as Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Istanbul to face Turkish basketball club, Fenerbahce Ulker.
This year’s international games will be played in Beijing and Shanghai, China; Bilbao, Spain; Manchester, England; Manila, Philippines; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Taipei. NBA announced all eight international games will the televised.
International games:
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul | Oct. 5 | Istanbul, Turkey | Ulker Sports Arena |
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Uxue Bilbao Basket | Oct. 6 | Bilbao, Spain | Bizkaia Arena at the BEC |
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers | Oct. 8 | Manchester, England | Manchester Arena |
Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers | Oct. 10 | Manila, Philippines | Mall of Asia Arena |
Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers | Oct. 13 | Taipei, Taiwan | Taipei Arena |
Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards | Oct. 12 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | HSBC Arena |
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers | Oct. 15 | Beijing, China | MasterCard Center |
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers | Oct. 18 | Shanghai, China | Mercedes-Benz Arena |