One of the changes of this coming season’s television schedule is that half of ABC’s 16-game slate will be spotlighted as part of a new “NBA Saturday Night on ABC” franchise -- primetime schedule kicks off with the Cavaliers taking on Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 23.

NBA TV starts its 17th year of NBA coverage with five games during opening week, including a Halloween night doubleheader (Golden State-New Orleans and Sacramento-Los Angeles Clippers). The network will also show Cleveland’s visit to Miami on Saturday, Dec. 5, as James faces his former team.

ABC will exclusively broadcast the NBA Finals for a 14th straight season. TNT will air the Western Conference Finals and ESPN will televise the Eastern Conference Finals.

For the 20th straight year, TNT tips off the season with a doubleheader — this year featuring the Chicago Bulls against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opener, followed by the Warriors receiving their championship rings before hosting the New Orleans Pelicans.

-- August 12, 2015 | 05:10PM PT  |<!-- Subhead --> Rick Kissell   | Senior Editor@ratesrick