What happened: Thursday's contest serves as the 76ers' home opener and streams concurrently on the ESPN App. It follows a preseason slate in which James connected on an alley-oop dunk during his first home tune-up.

Why it matters: James begins his pursuit of a fifth NBA championship in a new city while facing a Cleveland franchise whose failed offseason reunion drew scrutiny. The Eastern Conference matchup tests both rosters early after six contenders were weighed as summer destinations for the veteran forward.

What to watch: Philadelphia's traditional pregame bell-ringing ceremony precedes the opening tip against Cleveland.