/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2225581/20121024_pjc_ag9_635.0.jpg)
The first chapter in New York's new basketball rivalry will unfold Thursday night, as the New York Knicks play their first game against the newly relocated Brooklyn Nets.
The game not only marks the beginning of the year for both teams but is also the first official game for the Nets since relocating from New Jersey. The Nets have undergone a complete franchise makeover since the end of last year, and Thursday night's game will be the first official game in their brand new Barclays Center. From a basketball perspective, it's the first time Joe Johnson will suit up alongside Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, and Gerald Wallace in a starting five that should be a contender in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, New York will try to win without Amar'e Stoudemire.
The NBA season starts Tuesday night, but both the Knicks and Nets are idle until Thursday night's primetime matchup. The game will be at 8 p.m. on TNT.