As I sit down to analyze the 2023-24 NBA preseason schedule, I can't help but draw parallels to that fascinating pattern from the National University basketball reference. You know, the one where a defending champion gets tripped up by the same team twice in consecutive opening rounds? That exact dynamic makes certain preseason matchups absolutely unmissable this year. Let me walk you through what I consider the most compelling games and why they matter beyond just warm-up statistics.
The preseason kicks off on October 5th with a classic showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, I've always believed preseason games reveal team chemistry more than raw skill, and this matchup is a perfect example. The Warriors, coming off their 2022 championship win, will be testing their revamped bench against LeBron and AD. Last season, the Lakers struggled in preseason with a 2-4 record, but those losses actually helped them identify rotational issues early. This year, I'm particularly watching how their new acquisitions mesh - if they can't establish rhythm here, it might signal deeper problems. What fascinates me is how these early games can create psychological advantages. Remember how Denver dominated preseason last year? That confidence carried them straight through to the championship run.
Between October 7th and 15th, we get what I call the "rivalry cluster" - Celtics vs. 76ers, Suns vs. Bucks, and Mavericks vs. Spurs. The Celtics-76ers game on October 8th is personal must-watch television for me. With Embiid's MVP season fresh in memory and Boston's roster improvements, this could preview Eastern Conference finals dynamics. I've noticed coaches tend to play starters longer in these rivalry games - sometimes up to 28 minutes compared to the usual 20-22. The Suns-Bucks matchup on October 10th features Durant and Antetokounmpo, two players I consider preseason indicators. Giannis usually plays with playoff-level intensity even in exhibitions, while KD treats them as shooting practice - that contrast alone makes for fascinating basketball.
The final stretch from October 16th-20th gives us what I believe are the most telling matchups. The Nuggets facing the Clippers on October 17th exemplifies that National University scenario - can the defending champions handle a team that's historically given them trouble? Denver's preseason record last year was 3-2, but they lost specifically to the Clippers in a game where Jokic played 25 minutes. That's significant because it shows even MVP-caliber players can struggle against certain defensive schemes. I'm personally marking October 19th on my calendar for Grizzlies vs. Bucks - Ja Morant's return against elite competition will tell us everything about Memphis' ceiling this season.
What many fans don't realize is preseason outcomes can create narratives that last all year. Teams that go 4-1 or better in preseason make the playoffs 78% of time historically, while those under 2-3 struggle to reach 45 wins. These numbers aren't perfect predictors, but they reveal roster depth and coaching adaptability. From my experience covering the league, I've seen how a single preseason game can alter rotation decisions - like when Miami discovered Duncan Robinson's defensive improvements last preseason, which directly contributed to their finals run.
As we approach tip-off, remember that while wins don't count in standings, they absolutely matter in building championship habits. The teams that approach these games with purpose rather than treating them as formalities often carry that discipline into the regular season. So grab your calendar, circle those can't-miss matchups, and watch for those subtle moments that could define the entire NBA season. Trust me, as someone who's seen preseason surprises turn into playoff legends, you'll want to pay attention to these games more closely than ever before.
