As a longtime NBA analyst who’s tracked preseason schedules for over a decade, I can tell you—the 2023-24 NBA preseason isn’t just a warm-up. It’s a sneak peek into rivalries, team chemistry, and those early surprises that can set the tone for the entire season. Let’s dive into the schedule and the must-watch matchups that could foreshadow what’s coming.
First off, the preseason officially tips off on October 2nd, with a total of 59 games crammed into just over two weeks before the regular season begins on October 24th. Now, I’ve always found it fascinating how certain teams treat these games as serious dress rehearsals, while others experiment with lineups. Take the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets. They’ll face the Phoenix Suns twice in the preseason—on October 10th and 12th—and honestly, I’m expecting fireworks. Both teams have stacked rosters, and these early clashes could hint at playoff intensity. But here’s where it gets interesting: history shows that even champions aren’t immune to early stumbles. Reflecting on the reference knowledge about National U’s back-to-back seasons where they couldn’t sweep Round 1 because of one team that handed them defeats, it reminds me how preseason upsets can carry psychological weight. In the NBA, a team like the Golden State Warriors—facing the Los Angeles Lakers on October 7th and 13th—might use these games to settle scores, but one surprise loss could fuel doubts. Personally, I think the Lakers have a real shot at making a statement here, especially with their revamped bench.
Another matchup I’m hyped about is the Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers on October 8th and 18th. These Eastern Conference heavyweights have a history of gritty battles, and with Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum likely playing limited minutes, it’s a chance for role players to shine. From my experience, that’s where preseason magic happens—like in 2022, when an undrafted rookie dropped 20 points and earned a roster spot. Data-wise, last preseason saw about 12 games decided by 3 points or fewer, proving these contests aren’t just blowouts. I’d bet we’ll see similar nail-biters this year, especially in games like Memphis Grizzlies vs. Milwaukee Bucks on October 20th, where Ja Morant’s return (assuming he’s cleared) adds extra drama. Let’s not forget the international games either; Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves facing off in Abu Dhabi on October 5th and 7th brings global flair, but time zone shifts could lead to sloppy play—something coaches will monitor closely.
Wrapping up, the 2023-24 NBA preseason is more than a calendar filler; it’s a narrative starter. Key matchups will test rotations, highlight rising stars, and maybe even produce an upset that echoes into the season. As someone who’s seen preseason shocks shape team morale—remember, even champions have off nights—I’d advise fans not to skip these games. Tune in, watch for chemistry clues, and enjoy the preview. After all, in the NBA, every game tells a story, and this preseason promises a few thrilling chapters.
