MIAMI (AP) — As a new NBA season opened this week, coach Rick Carlisle and the Indiana Pacers received their annual briefing on the do’s and don’ts of gambling. Betting in casinos is generally allowed. Betting on other sports, provided it is legal, is also allowed. Betting on NBA basketball is not.

Thursday offers just two games, but both feature championship storylines and MVP star power. Out East, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Indiana Pacers in a rematch of last season's NBA Finals. Indiana begins life without Tyrese Haliburton, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to continue his MVP pace.

Authorities said the "mind-boggling" fraud involved tens of millions of dollars and included members of organised crime.

Chauncey Billups is on leave as coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.

ESPN's fantasy basketball daily cheat sheet is your pregame destination before you set your lineups for that night's games. Here you'll read our best advice for the night, including a selection of players you can stream as well as game-by-game injury reports.