As a longtime NBA analyst who’s tracked preseason trends for over a decade, I’ve always believed these early matchups offer more than just a warm-up—they reveal team chemistry, roster depth, and sometimes even foreshadow playoff drama. This year’s 2023-24 NBA preseason schedule is packed with intriguing storylines, and I’m particularly excited about how certain teams are positioning themselves ahead of what promises to be a fiercely competitive season. Let’s dive right in.
The preseason officially tips off on October 2nd, with a total of 59 games scheduled before the regular season begins on October 24th. One of the most anticipated matchups, in my view, is the October 8th clash between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s not just about LeBron versus Curry anymore; it’s about how both teams have retooled their benches. The Warriors’ second unit looks more dynamic, and I’m eager to see if their new additions can handle the Lakers’ physicality. Another game that stands out is the October 15th meeting between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. With the James Harden saga still unresolved, how the 76ers manage their backcourt rotations could signal their early-season stability—or lack thereof.
Reflecting on the reference knowledge about National U’s repeated stumbles in Round 1, I see a parallel in the NBA preseason. Even defending champions aren’t immune to early upsets. Take the Denver Nuggets, for instance. They’re coming off their first championship, and everyone expects them to dominate, but history shows that complacency can creep in. In the preseason, they’ll face the Phoenix Suns on October 12th—a team that’s beaten them in key moments before. I won’t be surprised if the Suns, hungry and retooled, hand the Nuggets a loss, much like that one team that thwarted National U’s sweeps. It’s a reminder that preseason games, while not counting in the standings, test a champion’s resolve. From my experience, teams that treat these games as mere practice often regret it later.
Beyond the marquee matchups, I’m keeping a close eye on rookie performances. Victor Wembanyama’s debut with the San Antonio Spurs, for example, could shake up the Western Conference dynamics. Their preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 9th will be a must-watch, as it pits two of the league’s youngest, most exciting cores against each other. Personally, I think the Spurs might pull off an upset here—Wembanyama’s defensive presence is already causing buzz, and I’d estimate he could average around 18 points and 9 rebounds in the preseason if given enough minutes. That’s just my gut feeling, backed by watching his summer league highlights.
As we wrap up, remember that the preseason is more than a formality; it’s a narrative starter. Key injuries, lineup experiments, and surprise standouts all emerge during this period. I predict we’ll see at least three unexpected upsets—maybe the Orlando Magic stunning the Milwaukee Bucks on October 10th—because that’s the beauty of basketball: anything can happen. So mark your calendars, analyze these games with a critical eye, and enjoy the buildup to what should be an unforgettable NBA season.
