The backlash in China against Daryl Morey's comments has cast a cloud over the NBA's lucrative broadcasting, merchandising and sponsorship interests in the country, where it has legions of fans.
LeBron James told reporters that Rockets general manager Daryl Morey "wasn't educated" on Hong Kong and should have kept his mouth shut.
NBA will go ahead with an exhibition game in Shanghai on Thursday that had looked in doubt after a team executive ignited a free speech row that has angered China.
China heaped further pressure on NBA after a tweet by a Houston Rockets executive backing protests in Hong Kong.
No Indian player has ever taken part in an NBA game and although NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told reporters that he hopes to see that change within five years, few are holding their breath.
The upcoming season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) commences on October 22.
The second pre-season game of the tour will be played on Saturday, while the regular season begins on October 22.
Adam Silver, Commissioner of the NBA, handed over the basketball to Nita Ambani and she passed it on to the officials to kick-start the game.
NBA Games India: Sacramento Kings will take on Indiana Pacers in the first NBA game in India.
Tony Parker, who won four NBA titles with the Spurs between 2003 and 2014 announced his decision in a post on Twitter.
Now coach of the Sacramento Kings, Luke Walton was let go by the LA Lakers last week after coaching them for several seasons.
According to reports, it was after the opening over-time loss in California when LeBron James injured himself.
The Golden State Warriors inflicted the first 4-0 NBA Finals blanking since the Cleveland Cavaliers were swept by San Antonio in 2007.
Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, will become the 10th LA Lakers player to have his number retired.
Palpreet Singh, who impressed NBA champion Brian Shaw in the national finals of the 2016 ACG NBA Jump program held in February, was part of the 2016 NBA D-League National Tryouts held on August 14 in New York.
Upcoming Indian basketball player Palpreet Singh has signed a NBA Development League contract.
A cousin of Chicago Bulls star Dwyane Wade was fatally shot while pushing a baby in a stroller on the city's South Side
Cleveland Cavaliers won the best-of-seven series 4-3 against Golden State Warriors to claim the first NBA crown in their 46-season history
