(AP) – The NBA is serious about spreading its game across the globe.
Over the years it has played exhibition games in locales like England and Spain.
The NBA adds another step on its global tour, this time in the Far East.
The Denver Nuggets will play an exhibition game against the Indiana Pacers in Beijing, China and marks the second time they will meet in Asia.
Both teams are coming off vastly different seasons. The Nuggets emerged as an NBA power, posting a 54–28 mark to win the Northwest division.
Under the play of star Carmelo Anthony, the squad beat the New Orleans Hornets and Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference finals.
The Pacers meanwhile finished fourth in the Central division at 39–46. In spite of a break–out year from young star Danny Granger the Pacers finished three games behind division rival the Detroit Pistons for the final playoff seed.
The October 11 match–up at Wukesong Arena, site of the 2008 Olympic basketball competitions, will come three days after the teams play the NBA’s first game in Taipei.
The NBA has announced five preseason games outside the United States or Canada this year. This will be the league’s third game in Beijing.
Unlike other places the NBA should get a rousing welcome in China. At last year’s Olympic Games the US national basketball team rose to the occasion and won the gold medal.
Comprised of NBA stars like Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade the US team marched through the competition (including the Chinese team) before taking down Spain in the final.
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