Walking into the Araneta Coliseum for my first NBA preseason game coverage last season felt like stepping onto sacred ground. The humidity clung to my press badge as I watched coaches navigate their debut sessions with new teams, much like the quote that stuck with me about everything feeling "bago"—fresh, unfamiliar, yet electrifying. That’s the magic of the NBA’s global reach, especially here in the Philippines, where fans live and breathe basketball despite being thousands of miles away from the home courts. This year, as the 2023-24 season unfolds, I’ve made it my mission to break down the complete schedule converted to Philippine Time (PHT), because let’s be honest, staying up until 3 AM for a game is a labor of love, but it helps to know exactly when to set those alarms.
The regular season tips off on October 25, 2023, with a double-header that’ll have us glued to our screens. The first game, Lakers vs. Nuggets, starts at 7:30 AM PHT—perfect for early risers or those of us who can sneak in a watch session during breakfast. Following that, the Suns take on the Warriors at 10:00 AM PHT, a matchup I’m personally hyped for given the star power on both sides. Last season, I remember catching the Warriors’ visit to Manila in a preseason game; the energy at MOA Arena was insane, with fans cheering like it was a Finals decider. This year, mark your calendars for key events: the Christmas Day games on December 26 PHT (since it falls on a U.S. holiday) feature five matchups, including Celtics vs. Lakers at 9:00 AM PHT, a classic rivalry that never gets old. Then there’s the All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, with the main event on February 19, 2024, at 8:00 AM PHT—I’ve always found the Slam Dunk Contest to be the highlight, though some argue the Three-Point Contest steals the show.
Balancing work and game-watching has taught me a few tricks; for instance, the NBA app’s notification settings are a lifesaver for those 4:30 AM PHT tip-offs, like the occasional East Coast games that air in the wee hours here. I recall one game last season where I dragged myself out of bed for a 3:00 AM start, only to be rewarded with a triple-overtime thriller—exhausting, but totally worth it. As the season progresses into the Playoffs, starting around April 21, 2024, the schedule gets tighter, with games often clustered on back-to-back days. Based on my experience, the Finals in June will likely have games starting between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM PHT, which is a relief compared to the graveyard shifts earlier in the year. Honestly, I think the league could do better by adjusting more games for Asian time zones, but for now, we make do with coffee and camaraderie.
In wrapping up, diving into this season’s schedule feels like reconnecting with an old friend—each game a chance to relive those "bago" moments from last year. Whether you’re a die-hard fan planning watch parties or a casual viewer like me who loves the drama, this guide should help you navigate the 2023-24 NBA season without missing a beat. So grab your jersey, sync your clocks, and let’s enjoy the ride together; after all, in basketball, as in life, it’s the shared experiences that make it all unforgettable.
