Perth Wildcats held the early favouritism to return to the summit of the NBL before the season tipped off on Wednesday.
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But the six-time championship winners have a wall of chasers in the market with TAB Sportsbet.
The Wildcats were the $4 top preference to secure the title in 2015-16, but had five clubs hot on their heals to nab the silverware.
Melbourne United, New Zealand Breakers and Sydney Kings were all considered $5 hopes while Illawarra Hawks and Cairn Taipans were next best at $7.
Adelaide 36ers ($17) and Townsville Crocodiles ($51) are the value hopes of the competition.
The tight nature of the top six clubs gives strong indication how even the competition is expected to be this season.
The season opened in Adelaide overnight.
NBL
Round One, Thursday
Cairns Taipans v
Illawarra Hawks
TV: Live on Fox Sports News (7.30pm AEDT)