NBA betting on Nets after lucrative relationship with China imploded

The Nets were set to fly on Monday to Macao, the so-called Las Vegas of Asia.

The NBA is making a big bet on reopening the huge China market and wagering that the Nets are the best team to help rebuild those burnt billion-dollar bridges as they prepare for a pair of preseason games against the Suns.

It’s hard to imagine a better candidate, with Nets owner Joe Tsai one of the most successful businessmen in China, forward Zeng Fanbo one of the country’s top young prospects and the Nets one of the most popular teams in the Asian country.

“I was telling the players, when they go to Macao, when they step into the street, they’re going to be mobbed because the fan base in China has remained loyal,” Tsai told The Post. “They really love the NBA. And they really welcome the NBA to be back after, what, six years? Since we were in Shanghai six years ago.”