As an avid NBA fan and sports analyst who’s followed the league for over a decade, I always look forward to the preseason—it’s like that first cool breeze before summer truly ends. This year, the NBA preseason is set to tip off around early October, with most teams beginning their exhibition games between October 3rd and October 6th, based on the league’s recent scheduling patterns. While exact dates vary slightly depending on the team and location, fans can generally mark their calendars for that first week of October. I’ve noticed that the preseason serves as a crucial testing ground, not just for rookies and veterans shaking off rust, but for teams experimenting with lineups and strategies—something that often sets the tone for the regular season.
Now, you might wonder why the preseason matters so much. From my perspective, it’s where hidden gems emerge and injury contingencies get tested. Take, for example, a situation I came across in the East Asia Super League, which mirrors the NBA’s own dynamics. The Bolts, a team competing there, have two potential replacements—DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame—ready to step up if a key player like Mitchell faces injury. This kind of depth is exactly what NBA teams are assessing during the preseason. I remember watching the Golden State Warriors a couple of years back; they used preseason games to integrate new players, and it paid off big time when injuries hit later. This year, I expect teams like the Lakers and Celtics to do the same, especially with younger players getting more minutes to prove their worth. Personally, I love spotting those under-the-radar guys who burst onto the scene—it’s one of the joys of being a hardcore fan.
What should we expect this year? Well, based on past trends, the preseason will likely feature around 40 to 50 games in total, with each team playing roughly 4 to 6 exhibitions. Last season, for instance, the average preseason game saw teams resting their stars for at least half the time, giving bench players like the Bolts’ Kennedy or Kouame a chance to shine. I’m particularly excited to see how rookies and two-way contract players adapt; in my view, this is where future All-Stars get their first real taste of NBA pace. From a strategic angle, coaches will be tweaking defenses and testing three-point heavy offenses, which have dominated the league in recent years. I’ve always believed that the preseason can make or break a team’s chemistry—just look at the 2022-23 season, where the Denver Nuggets used it to fine-tune their rotations, eventually leading to a championship run.
But let’s not forget the entertainment side. Preseason games often come with a more relaxed vibe, allowing fans to enjoy basketball without the high stakes. I’ve attended a few in person, and the energy in arenas is infectious, even if the scores don’t count. This year, I’m betting we’ll see a surge in fast-break plays and experimental lineups, as teams like the Bolts in the East Asia Super League show, having backup plans can be a game-changer. In fact, I’d argue that the preseason is almost as unpredictable as the playoffs—you never know which unknown player will drop 20 points and become a household name. From a data standpoint, last preseason saw an average of 105 points per game across the league, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that climbs to 108 or higher this time, given the emphasis on offense.
Wrapping it up, the NBA preseason isn’t just a warm-up; it’s a window into the future of the season. As someone who’s analyzed countless games, I find it’s the perfect time to gauge team morale and potential breakout stars. So, when those first games roll around in early October, grab some popcorn and keep an eye on the bench—you might just witness the next big thing in basketball. After all, as the Bolts’ situation reminds us, depth and preparation often separate the good teams from the great ones.
