NBA Opening Night 2019: Pelicans vs. Raptors TV Channel, Live Stream and Latest Odds
When the schedule for the NBA regular season was released, the excitement for the Toronto Raptors' opening night matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans soared to levels previously unseen for any of the prior meetings between the two teams.
The prospect of seeing the Raptors raise the NBA champions banner to the rafters while simultaneously witnessing Zion Williamson' professional debut sounded too good to be true.
As it turned out, that's because it was. On Thursday, ESPN reported the number one overall pick of the draft will be sidelined for a number of weeks after suffering a knee injury in New Orleans' pre-season game against the San Antonio Spurs the previous weekend.
The former Duke star is a generational talent, and the level of excitement and expectations surrounding Williamson is something the league has not seen since one LeBron James made his debut in 2003.
While Williamson is expected to miss only a few weeks, his absence puts a considerable dampener over the Pelicans' opening game in Toronto on Tuesday night.
Raptors fans may not be too concerned about Williamson's absence as they will get to see their team receive the rings of NBA champions and the championship banner will be raised at Scotiabank Arena.
It will, however, be a slightly bittersweet occasion for supporters in Toronto as the man responsible for the lion's share of last season's title will not be in attendance.
Kawhi Leonard wrote himself into Raptors folklore last season, leading Toronto to its first ever NBA title and clinching the NBA Finals MVP award in the process, before swapping Canada for California in the summer.
Leonard will be on court on opening night, but wearing a Los Angeles Clippers jersey against the Los Angeles Lakers approximately three hours after the Raptors raise the championship banner.
According to BetOnline, Toronto is a 33/1 outsider to retain its title and, bar major surprises, it's unlikely the Raptors will represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals this season.
That is not to say Toronto should be disregarded completely, for it remains a good team even without Leonard. Last week the Raptors re-signed Pascal Siakam to a four-year, $130-million maximum rookie extension, further proof they consider him the cornerstone of their franchise.
Along with Siakam, Marc Gasol and Kyle Lowry will be back, as will Fred VanVleet, who emerged as a surprise package against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
The Raptors are unlikely to repeat themselves, but they will undoubtedly enjoy opening night.
Here's everything you need to know about the first game of the season.
When and where is the game?
The Toronto Raptors host the New Orleans at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, on Tuesday, October 22.
Tip off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
TV channel
The season opener will be broadcast live on TNT.
Live stream
A live stream will be available via TNT's digital platforms as well as via fuboTV.
Odds
According to Oddschecker, the Raptors are 7-point favorite and are 93/100 to cover the spread, while the Pelicans are 47/20 underdogs.
The over/under bar for total points scored is set at 220.
