Rockets and Pelicans to play 2 preseason games in China

NBA’s Houston Rockets, the former club of Chinese star Yao Ming, and New Orleans Pelicans will play two preseason games in China next October.

The league announced today that the 10th edition of NBA games in China presented by Master Kong would feature games October 9 in Shanghai and October 12 in Beijing. 

The 10th edition of NBA Global Games China will celebrate the Rockets’ first visit to Shanghai since their inaugural game there in 2004, when NBA Legend Yao Ming played in his hometown of Shanghai for the first time in his NBA career in front of a sold-out crowd. NBA Global Games China 2016 will mark the Pelicans’ first visit to China.

"Our entire Houston Rockets team is looking forward to returning to China, to compete and play our best basketball for our loyal and passionate fans," Rockets guard James Harden said.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to play in front of the Chinese fans for the first time," said Pelicans forward Anthony Davis.

After the 2016 matchups, a total of 13 NBA clubs will have played 22 games in China since 2004, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Macau, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Taipei.

Source: NBA