The NBA's Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves are set to play two preseason games in China.
Crowd drawers
According to league officials, the two games are slated to be played on Oct. 5 in Shenzhen and Oct. 8 in Shanghai, Fox Sports reported. Both games are part of the NBA Global Games China series.
This would be the third time for the Warriors to visit China, having played games there in 2008 and 2013. This would also mark the return of point guard Stephen Curry to the country. Curry was part of the roster that played the preseason game in Shanghai against the Lakers.
Curry recalled how the Mercedes-Benz arena was jam packed with Chinese fans eager to watch them play. He added that it was the first time that he fully understood how big the NBA is in the country.
Meanwhile, Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed his excitement for their upcoming game, saying that it was his first time to visit China. He also expressed enthusiasm over the prospect of seeing first hand of seeing the large Chinese fan base,
The Warriors are considered as a major crowd drawer, which NBA officials expect will further help in growing the league's foothold in the country.
First timers
On the other hand, this is the first time for the Timberwolves to play in front of a Chinese audience, ESPN reported.
The Wolves have already played overseas matches in Japan, England, France, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Turkey.
The team will be the 14th squad to have played in China.
Wolves center Karl-Anthony Towns also said that he is looking forward to the game and the Chinese fans. Towns has earlier traveled to the country as part of a basketball our organized by sportswear giant Nike n 2016. Along with him were Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green.
Team coach Tom Thibodeau said that the exhibition games would be a great opportunity for his players to bond together and experience a different culture.