They will then host heavyweights Melbourne United at the WEC in round two followed by a trip north to Brisbane in round three.

Goorjian's team will face another Phoenix-Cairns road double in round four bookended by a home clash with Perth in Wollongong. They'll finish the opening five rounds hosting New Zealand at the WEC.

It's part of a confirmed schedule for the opening five rounds that will see 39 games played over the first 37 days of the season in front of fans.

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"We couldn't be more excited to be announcing the start of the Hungry Jack's NBL season," NBL owner Larry Kestelman said.

"The NBL is one of Australia's most popular sports and fans can't wait for the season to start.

"I want to thank all of our clubs, players, staff, officials and corporate partners for their outstanding support in what has been a long and challenging offseason as we get ready to deliver the NBL's 43rd consecutive season.

"Given the challenges of 2020 this is a fantastic outcome to be able to play in front of fans again right across Australia.

"We now look forward to enjoying world class basketball and great entertainment over the coming months."

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The rest of the rolling schedule will be announced in stages during the season ahead of finals planned to take place in May, with commissioner Jeremy Loeliger saying the NBL is still considering the option of using a hub for part of the season.

"All teams will start the season playing games in front of fans in their home cities except the SKY Sport New Zealand Breakers who will be based out of Melbourne and travel for games for the initial part of the season," Loeliger said.

"We hope the Breakers will be able to return to New Zealand once border restrictions and scheduling allows for that to happen and play as many games as possible in front of their fans.

"Capacities at venues will vary according to their location but the aim is to play as many games in front of as many fans as possible as restrictions are further eased over the coming months."

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Melbourne venues are yet to be confirmed, with the NBL still in discussions with the Victorian government.

"Our preference is to play the first three games of the season at John Cain Arena but we will need to remain flexible with our scheduling and it will be subject to change based on border controls and health advice," Loeliger sad.

"For example, games in Adelaide have been currently scheduled on the basis that border restrictions will be lifted."

Loeliger said the league was finalising its COVID safe protocols with the clubs ahead of pre-season games across December and January in place of the traditional NBL Blitz.

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