Raptors Head to England for First NBA Game Overseas

The team’s two-game stint in Europe this weekend is a highlight in an otherwise forgettable season.

If the NBA is attempting to spread its popularity beyond North America’s borders, they could have picked better ambassadors for the game than the two teams in London today to play the first regular season games ever held overseas. The Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets are both in the midst of horrible seasons, having both lost more than twice the number of games they’ve won. They’ll square off Friday and Saturday at London’s 2012 Olympic basketball venue in a pair of games that are meaningless in terms of the playoff picture but are a key test for the NBA, which is mulling plans to expand to Europe. About 140 players, staff, and intrepid season-ticket holders made the trip.