WORCESTER Wolves will have to end their Cheshire Phoenix hoodoo if they are to get their 2016/17 British Basketball League campaign off to a winning start.

Paul James’ side have lost their previous five meetings with Cheshire, including three defeats last season.

But they will be keen to put that run to bed when they go up against them at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday, September 23 (7.30pm).

The tricky opener is followed by a tough trip to BBL Trophy holders and reigning league champions Leicester Riders on Sunday, September 25 (4pm).

Wolves’ start does not get any easier as they host last season’s BBL play-off winners Sheffield Sharks on Friday, September 30 (7.30pm), and Glasgow Rocks, who sent them crashing out of the play-offs, on Friday, October 14 (7.30pm).

The regular season ends on Sunday, April 23, with Wolves travelling to Leicester (4pm).

Meanwhile, Worcester will begin their BBL Cup campaign against either Bristol Flyers or Surrey Scorchers at the Arena on Sunday, November 6 (4pm).

They have also been draw at home against Sheffield in the opening round of the BBL Trophy on Friday, January 6 (7.30pm).

Worcester Wolves' fixtures in full.

Fri, Sept 23 Cheshire Phoenix (7.30pm) H.

Sun, Sept 25 Leicester Riders (4pm) A.

Fri, Sept 30 Sheffield Sharks (7.30pm) H.

Fri, Oct 14 Glasgow Rocks (7.30pm) H.

Fri, Oct 21 Surrey Scorchers (7.30pm) H.

Sun, Oct 23 Cheshire Phoenix (5.30pm) A.

Fri, Oct 28 Newcastle Eagles (7.30pm) H.

Sun, Oct 30 Manchester Giants (5pm) A.

Sun, Nov 6 Bristol Flyers / Surrey Scorchers (4pm) BBL CUP H.

Sun, Nov 13 Glasgow Rocks (5pm) A.

Fri, Nov 18 Manchester Giants (7.30pm) H.

Sun, Nov 20 Plymouth Raiders (4pm) A.

Fri, Nov 25 Leeds Force (7.30pm) A.

Fri, Dec 2 Bristol Flyers (7.30pm) H.

Fri, Dec 16 Bristol Flyers (7.30pm) H.

Sun, Dec 18 London Lions (4pm) A.

Fri, Dec 30 Plymouth Raiders (7.30pm) H.

Fri, Jan 6 Sheffield Sharks (7.30pm) BBL TROPHY H.

Sat, Jan 14 Bristol Flyers (7.30pm) A.

Fri, Jan 20 Newcastle Eagles (7.30pm) A.

Fri, Jan 27 Surrey Scorchers (7.30pm) H.

Fri, Feb 3 Sheffield Sharks (7.30pm) A.

Sun, Feb 5 Leeds Force (4pm) A.

Fri, Feb 10 Manchester Giants (7.30pm) H.

Fri, Feb 17 London Lions (7.30pm) H.

Sat, Feb 25 Surrey Scorchers (7pm) A.

Fri, Mar 10 Leeds Force (7.30pm) H.

Fri, Mar 24 Leicester Riders (7.30pm) H.

Sun, Mar 26 Cheshire Phoenix (5.30pm) A.

Fri, Mar 31 Newcastle Eagles (7.30pm) H.

Sun, Apr 2 Glasgow Rocks (5pm) A.

Sun, Apr 9 Plymouth Raiders (4pm) A.

Friday, Apr 14 London Lions (7.30pm) H.

Fri, Apr 21 Sheffield Sharks (7.30pm) H.

Sun, Apr 23 Leicester Riders (4pm) A.