The Milwaukee Bucks (0-0) are looking to build on a 2017-18 campaign that saw their adept young corps bring the team to a seventh place finish and 44-38 record in the Eastern Conference, one they look to eclipse with a deep Playoff run this season following their first round exit in April. With the East essentially wide open with LeBron transplanting to Los Angeles, Milwaukee feels like there's no time like the present to serve notice to the league, led once again by Giannis Antenokounmpo, who finished last year with an average of 26.9 points, 10 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. The two-time All-Star is approaching what many observers believe will be his prime and, if he can remain healthy (after missing only seven games last season), the Bucks have legitimate shot at pushing into the upper elite of the conference. Joining Antetokounmpo will be a relatively new supporting class, including Ersan Illyaova, who joined the Bucks in free agency from the Philadelphia 76ers, and Brook Lopez, coming off an unremarkable year with the L.A. Lakers. The veteran Ilyasova spent seven seasons with Milwaukee, and last year averaged a respectable 10.8 points per game with the Sixers. Not returning for the team will be Jabari Parker, who shipped off to Chicago for a two-year deal. The Bucks will return to Milwaukee on Friday evening to begin a three-game home stand.

The Charlotte Hornets (0-0), meanwhile, are looking to right their ship following two consecutive 36-46 seasons, starting at Spectrum Center with the majority of the same roster pieces in place. With an average of 22.1 points and 5.6 assists to his credit, Kemba Walker returns as the leader in both stats categories for the club. Nikolas Batum comes in at the wing in his fourth season with the Hornets, averaging 14.4 points and 5.5 dimes, despite being plagued by injuries in '17-'18. Charlotte will need both starters and reserves to remain in top form, and will have to shore up a significant loss defensively with the exit of Dwight Howard in the summer, a vacancy that newly-acquired Bismack Biyombo hopes to fill. Joining the Hornets after spending his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs will be Tony Parker who, although in the twilight of his career, put up 7.7 points and 3.5 assists in his last year in the West. The Hornets won't enjoy the comforts of home for long, as they will take to the road later in the week for a tough four-game away stretch that sees them face the likes of the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors.