Watch live coverage on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event - as well as right here via the Sky Sports YouTube channel - we're underway at 7pm with tip-off at 7.30pm
Friday 5 November 2021 09:30, UK
Defending Championship champions Leicester Riders tip-off Sky Sports' live coverage of the 2021/22 BBL Championship against Newcastle Eagles on Friday night.
It is time for your weekly fix of domestic basketball as Leicester and Newcastle face off in a mouthwatering start to the Championship season on Sky Sports as the two most successful teams in the BBL meet in the East Midlands.
Leicester claimed their fifth Championship crown last year, and once again inspired by reigning MVP Geno Crandall, they will host the Eagles at the Morningside Arena in one of the BBL's most competitive rivalries.
Newcastle were among the silverware themselves last season, winning the BBL Play-Offs and the BBL Trophy, and they have Rahmon Fletcher - last season's points leader - to head up their challenge.
Former Team GB international Kieron Achara has previewed the season for Sky Sports and will be part of the live coverage from 7pm.
"The thing that is amazing about this league is the unpredictability, we've had so many changes - players come and go," he said.
"Hopefully there are no injuries but that's part of the game, injuries happen. London also get to compete in Europe this year - does that change the dynamic and motivations of this season?
"As much as I'm saying London are the favourites, it's so unpredictable. I hope we have a season like last year when the silverware was spread out. It would be nice to see other teams win some silverware as well and take it back to their respective clubs."
BBL action returns to Sky Sports on Friday October 29 when the defending Championship winner Leicester Riders take on 2021 Cup and Play-Off champion Newcastle Eagles - coverage begins at 7pm, with tip-off at 7.30pm
