The Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns met in a sold-out pre-season game in Macau on Friday as fans cheered the NBA's return to China after a six-year absence.

"The atmosphere is amazing. I've been a Suns fan for a long time," said David Jin, 26, who took a day trip from Shenzhen.

"The NBA should come to mainland China more often. If it's on my doorstep I'll show up to give my support," Jin said, adding that he spent about 5,000 yuan (US$700) for tickets and travel.

Fans in the packed Venetian Arena gave four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker a roaring reception and also particularly looked forward to seeing China's 22-year-old debutant Nets forward Zeng Fanbo.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said "there's tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China".

Building on the charm offensive, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said the China trip was in part an opportunity visit and learn about a new culture.

"We are told that we get support from China, a lot of fans watching our games. But the reality is you don't know until you come here," he said.

Also speaking before the game, Suns head coach Jordan Ott said many of his players were travelling to China for the first time.

"Just that excitement when they walk out tonight -- we know it's a packed house -- would be really cool experience for all of us to remember," Ott said.

The Chinese Basketball Association announced a strategic partnership with the NBA on Friday which includes providing opportunities for Chinese teams to take part in the NBA Summer League and WNBA preseason games in the United States, according to state media. (AFP)