ESPN Tips Off 2016-17 NBA Season with Two Doubleheaders During Opening Week

ESPN's blockbuster opening week of the NBA season is highlighted by two prime-time doubleheaders (Wednesday, Friday) and superstars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden in action.

Wednesday's doubleheader on Oct. 26 starts with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Westbrook taking center court when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers and Jahlil Okafor on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET. Mike Breen will provide commentary with analyst Jeff Van Gundy and reporter Doris Burke. Later the night, the Houston Rockets and Harden will visit the Los Angeles Lakers and second overall 2016 NBA DRAFT pick Brandon Ingram at 10:30 p.m. on ESPN. Mark Jones will call the game action alongside analyst Mark Jackson and reporter J.A. Adande.

The defending NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers and James will visit the Toronto Raptors and Kyle Lowry on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. to start off Friday's doubleheader on ESPN. Commentary will be provided by Breen and NBA Hall of Famer and analyst Hubie Brown and reporter Cassidy Hubbarth. Later that night, the Golden State Warrior and Curry will take on the New Orleans Pelicans and Anthony Davis at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN with Ryan Ruocco, Van Gundy and Burke on the call.

NBA Countdown charged by Mountain Dew will make their NBA regular season debut with host Michelle Beadle and analysts Jalen Rose, Chauncey Billups and Tracy McGrady ahead of Wednesday's doubleheader for an hour-long episode at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

SportsCenter on the Road will originate from Cleveland for the Cavaliers' regular season debut against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Oct. 25 with hosts Sage Steele and Jay Crawford for the 6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter. Additionally, SPORTSCENTER will be live from Cleveland all day long with ESPN's Michael Eaves and Marty Smith reporting at different venues, including Cleveland's very own B. Loft Barbershop and Town Talk restaurant. ESPN team reporters Dave McMenamin (Cavaliers) and Ian Begley (Knicks) will be court side during shoot-around as well as ESPN's Stephen A. Smith who will provide coverage throughout the day. ESPN Radio will cover the Cavaliers versus Knicks game that night at 7 p.m. Marc Kestecher and analyst Jon Barry will call the game action.

The Jump, ESPN's daily NBA studio show, returns for the NBA regular season with a brand new studio set on Monday, Oct. 24 with host Rachel Nichols and various NBA analysts and insiders on ESPN2 at 3:30 p.m. NBA commissioner Adam Silver will join Nichols at the desk on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Silver will also join ESPN's daily morning show Mike & Mike on Tuesday, Oct. 25 with Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic on ESPN2 and ESPN Radio within the 7 a.m. hour via phone.