As I sit down to map out my NBA viewing schedule for the upcoming preseason, I can't help but reflect on how these early games often set the tone for what's to come. The 2023-24 NBA preseason officially tips off on October 3rd, with the defending champion Denver Nuggets facing the Phoenix Suns in what promises to be an electrifying opening matchup. Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I've learned that preseason games aren't just meaningless exhibitions - they're where championship habits begin to form, and where we get our first real glimpse at how teams will approach the grueling 82-game regular season.
What fascinates me most about this year's preseason schedule is how it mirrors the unpredictable nature we've seen in recent championship cycles. Looking back at the reference about National University's inability to sweep Round 1 in two consecutive seasons, I'm reminded that even the most dominant teams face unexpected challenges. Last season, we saw the Milwaukee Bucks - widely considered championship favorites - stumble against the Chicago Bulls in preseason, which surprisingly foreshadowed their eventual playoff disappointment. This year, I'm particularly excited about the October 12th matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers. These two teams have developed such an intriguing rivalry over the years, and with both franchises making significant roster changes, this preseason clash could reveal early chemistry issues or hidden strengths. Personally, I believe Chris Paul joining the Warriors creates one of the most fascinating storylines of the entire preseason - watching how he adapts to Golden State's system against his former teammate LeBron James will be absolutely compelling television.
The complete preseason schedule spans from October 3rd through October 20th, featuring 62 games across 18 days. While some fans might dismiss these contests, I've found they often provide crucial insights into coaching strategies and player development. For instance, last preseason, I noticed the Sacramento Kings were experimenting with a faster pace in their October 8th game against the Trail Blazers - that adjustment ultimately became central to their historic offensive season. This year, I'm keeping my eye on the October 15th matchup between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. With James Harden's situation in flux and the Celtics adding Kristaps Porzingis, this game could give us early indicators about the Eastern Conference power balance. From my perspective, the Celtics might have the most to gain from these preseason games as they integrate new pieces into their system.
What many casual viewers don't realize is how much roster evaluation happens during these games. Teams typically play their starters for about 20-25 minutes in the later preseason contests, giving us a legitimate preview of their regular-season rotations. I always pay close attention to the final two preseason games for each team, as that's when coaches typically implement their actual offensive sets and defensive schemes. The reference about teams dealing defeats to defending champions resonates here - we've seen numerous examples where preseason losses to underdog teams actually revealed vulnerabilities that opponents would later exploit in the playoffs. Remember when the Toronto Raptors beat the Warriors in preseason back in 2018? That game highlighted some defensive weaknesses Golden State never fully addressed, which ultimately contributed to their Finals loss to those same Raptors.
As we approach the October 20th conclusion of preseason action, I'm most intrigued by how the Denver Nuggets will approach their title defense. Having watched championship teams navigate preseason over the years, I've noticed that the most successful squads use these games to build depth rather than showcase their stars. The Nuggets face a particularly interesting challenge with their October 17th game against the Clippers - both teams have championship aspirations, but will approach the game with vastly different levels of urgency. From my experience, the teams that strike the right balance between preparation and preservation during preseason tend to start the regular season strongest. While we shouldn't overreact to preseason results, the patterns we observe during these 18 days often foreshadow the storylines that will define the entire NBA season.
