What happened: One March week included Jayson Tatum's return, an 83-point performance and the end of a 20-plus-point scoring streak. The opening-day schedule begins at 3 p.m. ET, with additional games at 7 and 9:30 p.m. ET.
Why it matters: The tripleheader moves the league directly from offseason roster work into regular-season competition. Tatum's comeback remains a prominent storyline entering the new campaign.
By the numbers: Opening night is 51 days after Aug. 30, with 6½ hours separating the first and final scheduled tipoffs.
What to watch: Final rosters and player availability will shape the opening-night matchups as Oct. 20 approaches.