Viewers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to thrills and spills from the world’s best basketball league, with ESPN and ESPN 2 the premier venues for coverage of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 2021-22 season will continue through the week of  Friday 17 to Thursday 23 December 2021.

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The first of three live NBA Regular Season games this week arrives on the morning of Saturday 18 December, as the Boston Celtics welcome the Golden State Warriors to the TD Garden in Massachusetts (02:45 LIVE on ESPN).

The Warriors have been one of the top teams on show in the NBA this season, and coach Steve Kerr has emphasised that they need to match the standards set in the Western Conference by rivals the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.

“We know that we’re trying to catch them, not vice-versa,” Kerr said of the defending Western Conference champs. “We haven’t been in the playoffs for two years. We’re trying to catch them and we know they’re the best team in the West until somebody knocks them off.”

The Celtics-Warriors clash will be immediately followed by the Milwaukee Bucks visiting the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center (05:05 LIVE on ESPN).

epa09560692 Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (C) jumps up to make a pass while being guarded by Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (L) and Houston Rockets center Christian Wood (R) during the second quarter of the NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, USA, 02 November 2021. EPA/CAROLINE BREHMAN SHUTTERSTOCK OUT

The Bucks have welcomed Wesley Matthews back after one year with the Los Angeles Lakers. “Wesley is a proven veteran whose shooting, defense and experience will help us,” Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. “He is familiar with Coach Bud’s system and our team. We’re excited to have him back with us.”

epa09582614 Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (R) of Greece in action against Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (L) of Switzerland during the first half of the NBA basketball game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 14 November 2021. EPA/ERIK S. LESSER SHUTTERSTOCK OUT

The third and final live NBA game this week is a potential thriller between the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers on the evening of Sunday 19 December (22:30 LIVE on ESPN).

The Lakers have endured a difficult season thus far, though the recent return of LeBron James is a major boost, with the star man back after a frustrating time on the sidelines due to the NBA health and safety protocols.

“Just confused, frustrated and angry,” James said. “I was sitting at the house and hadn’t been able to do anything. I felt like I was getting into a really good rhythm offensively, defensively. It’s been very frustrating, not being able to get into a flow for myself. Hopefully it will lead to good things later.”

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NBA match broadcast details

All times CAT

Saturday 18 December

02:45: Boston Celtics v Golden State Warriors – LIVE on ESPN

05:05: New Orleans Pelicans v Milwaukee Bucks – LIVE on ESPN

Sunday 19 December

22:30: Chicago Bulls v Los Angeles Lakers – LIVE on ESPN