When Does the NBA Preseason Start and What to Expect This Year?
As an avid NBA fan and sports analyst with over a decade of experience covering professional basketball, I always get that familiar tingle of anticipation when late September rolls around. The NBA preseason represents far more than just exhibition games—it’s the first real glimpse into team chemistry, emerging talents, and strategic shifts that will define the upcoming season. This year, the preseason is scheduled to tip off around October 3rd, with teams gradually ramping up their schedules through mid-October before the regular season commences on October 24th. While exact dates can shift based on venue availability and broadcast arrangements, the league has maintained this general timeframe for years, allowing fans and analysts like myself to mark our calendars well in advance.
I’ve always believed the preseason serves multiple purposes—it helps veterans shake off rust, allows coaching staff to experiment with lineups, and offers rookies a chance to prove they belong. Last season, for example, we saw undrafted players like Jose Alvarado use the preseason to secure rotation spots, and I expect similar breakout performances this year. From a tactical standpoint, teams increasingly treat these games as live laboratories. The Golden State Warriors, for instance, have been known to test new defensive schemes during preseason, while younger squads like the Orlando Magic focus heavily on player development. What’s particularly fascinating this year is how teams will manage workloads—with the NBA’s ongoing emphasis on load management, I predict we’ll see stars playing fewer minutes while fringe roster players get extended runs.
The connection between the NBA preseason and international competitions like the East Asia Super League might not be immediately obvious, but they share intriguing parallels in how teams approach roster depth. Take the reference case of Meralco Bolts in the EASL—when key players face injuries, teams must rely on ready replacements like DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame. This mirrors exactly what NBA teams experience during preseason. When I look at teams like the Phoenix Suns or Denver Nuggets, their preseason preparations always account for potential absences. For instance, if a star like Kevin Durant were to miss time, the Suns have capable backups in Keita Bates-Diop and Yuta Watanabe. This depth testing is precisely what makes preseason so valuable—it’s where contingency plans are forged.
From a viewer’s perspective, I find the most compelling preseason storylines often revolve around roster battles and strategic evolution. The Lakers, for example, have roughly 4-5 players competing for their final roster spots, and these preseason games will determine who makes the cut. Similarly, the Milwaukee Bucks are expected to debut their new defensive system under recently hired assistant coaches. Having spoken with several NBA scouts, I’ve learned that teams typically use about 65-70% of their playbook during preseason, saving more complex sets for the regular season. Still, the glimpses we get are telling—last year, the Celtics’ increased three-point volume in preseason directly translated to their regular-season approach.
What truly excites me about this year’s preseason is the international flavor. With the NBA scheduling games in Abu Dhabi and Montreal, we’re seeing the league’s global expansion firsthand. Having attended preseason games overseas before, I can attest to the electric atmosphere—it’s basketball at its most universal. These international contests also provide unique challenges, from jet lag to different court conditions, which inadvertently prepare teams for the grueling regular season. The NBA estimates that approximately 15% of preseason games now occur outside the United States, a number I expect to rise in coming years.
As we approach opening tip-off, I’m particularly curious about how teams will balance development versus results. While winning preseason games matters little in the standings, the habits formed during these weeks often carry over. My prediction? Teams like Sacramento and Oklahoma City—squads brimming with young talent—will treat preseason with greater seriousness than established contenders. The Thunder, for example, have about 8 players under 25 who need developmental minutes. Contrast this with veteran-laden teams like the Clippers, who’ll likely prioritize health over experimentation. Having studied preseason patterns for years, I’ve noticed that teams who go 4-1 or better in preseason typically start the regular season with more cohesion, though correlation doesn’t always imply causation.
The business side of preseason shouldn’t be overlooked either. Teams use these games to gauge fan interest, test new broadcast features, and evaluate arena operations. From conversations with team executives, I’ve learned that preseason attendance averages around 65-70% capacity, with significant variation between markets. The Warriors consistently sell out preseason games, whereas rebuilding teams might struggle to fill seats. This economic reality influences everything from concession strategies to digital engagement efforts—the NBA reportedly generates approximately $120 million annually from preseason-related revenue streams.
When all is said and done, the beauty of NBA preseason lies in its transitional nature. It’s that sweet spot where summer league hopefuls transform into rotation players, where new coaching philosophies take root, and where the marathon of an 82-game season begins. While some fans dismiss these games as meaningless, I’ve always found them profoundly meaningful—they’re the first brushstrokes on the canvas of an NBA season. So when you tune into that first preseason game, watch not just for the score, but for the subtle stories unfolding between possessions. That’s where the real drama lies.
