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Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans to play 10th edition of NBA games in China

Xinhua, March 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced Wednesday that NBA Global Games China 2016 will feature two preseason games in Shanghai and Beijing between the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans in October.

Two matches will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Oct.9 in Shanghai and in Beijing on Oct.12 at The LeSports Center. The games could be watched on television, digital and social media in more than 200 countries and regions.

This year will be the 12th year after the Rockets' first visit to China in their inaugural game in 2004, when NBA legend Yao Ming played against Liu Wei, his teammate of Shanghai and China, who then was trained in Sacramento Kings. The Pelicans will be in China for the first time this October.

The Rockets' roster currently features four-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist James Harden, eight-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard. The Pelicans will bring three-time NBA All-Star and 2014-15 All-NBA First Team selection Anthony Davis, 2013 NBA All-Star Jrue Holiday and so on.

"Our entire Houston Rockets team is looking forward to returning to China, we are proud of the special bond our team has with the Chinese fans." James Harden said.

The China Games 2016 will feature a variety of off-court activities including the fifth Fan Appreciation Day presented on Oct.7 in Shanghai, NBA Cares and Jr. NBA community events.

Following NBA Global Games China 2016, 13 NBA teams will have played 22 games in Greater China since 2004.

"The China Games deliver the live, authentic NBA experience to our Chinese fans and provide our teams and players an opportunity to learn more about the Chinese people and culture." said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Endit