2021/22 BBL Championship preview: Kieron Achara's contenders, MVP favourites, surprise packages and new signings to watch

The Leicester Riders tip off the defence of their league crown behind reigning MVP Geno Crandall as they take on the playoff and BBL Trophy-winning Newcastle Eagles, led by last season's points leader Rahmon Fletcher, live on Sky Sports this Friday.

Vince Macaulay's London Lions will juggle domestic ambitions with their FIBA Europe Cup involvement, while there is change elsewhere in the league following the withdrawal of the Worcester Wolves and the introduction of the Plymouth City Patriots, formerly known as the Plymouth Raiders.