There might not be many teams that are as motivated as the Kawasaki Brave Thunders to have a great start to the 2017-18 season.
Kawasaki was the runner-up to the Tochigi Brex in the inaugural B. League Championship in May.
On Friday night, the Brave Thunders begin their championship quest with the opener in a two-game series against the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins at Todoroki Arena.