When Does the NBA Preseason Start and What to Expect This Year?

As an avid NBA fan and sports analyst who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve always found the preseason to be one of the most intriguing phases of the basketball calendar. It’s that sweet spot where anticipation meets reality—new rosters take shape, young players get their first taste of NBA-level competition, and veterans shake off the rust. So, when does the NBA preseason actually begin? Typically, it kicks off in late September or early October, with this year’s action expected to start around October 3rd. That’s just around the corner, and I can already feel the excitement building.

Now, you might wonder why the preseason matters so much. From my perspective, it’s not just a series of warm-up games—it’s a critical window for teams to experiment, integrate new talent, and address potential weaknesses. Take, for instance, the situation with the Meralco Bolts, a team that’s been on my radar lately. While they’re not an NBA squad, their approach in the East Asia Super League offers a fascinating parallel. I’ve been tracking how they handle player injuries, and it’s a reminder that depth is everything. In their case, if someone like Mitchell were sidelined—say, with a sprained ankle that could keep him out for 4–6 weeks—they’ve got DJ Kennedy and Ange Kouame ready to step up. That kind of preparedness is exactly what NBA teams aim for during the preseason. It’s all about having reliable backups who can seamlessly fill in, and I’ve seen firsthand how that can make or break a team’s early momentum.

This year, I expect the NBA preseason to highlight several key trends, including the rise of international players and the increasing emphasis on three-point shooting. Honestly, I’m a bit biased here—I love watching teams that prioritize ball movement and outside shooting, like the Golden State Warriors or the Brooklyn Nets. But it’s not just about flashy offense. Defense often gets overlooked in these early games, but I’ve noticed that squads who lock down on that end early tend to carry that discipline into the regular season. For example, last year, the Boston Celtics used their preseason to fine-tune their switch-heavy defense, and it paid off with a deep playoff run. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see similar strategies this time, especially with teams like the Lakers looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2023 season where they finished 11th in the Western Conference.

Another aspect I’m keenly watching is how rookies and second-year players adapt. Having covered the NBA Draft for years, I always get a thrill seeing top picks like Victor Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson make their debuts. These games are low-stakes in terms of wins and losses, but they’re high-stakes for individual development. I remember watching Ja Morant in his first preseason—he looked raw but explosive, and by the regular season, he was dominating. This year, I predict at least three rookies will average over 15 points per game in the preseason, though that’s just my gut feeling based on past trends. Teams often use these matchups to test lineups, so don’t be shocked if you see unusual combinations or extended minutes for bench players. It’s all part of the chess match, and as a fan, I find it utterly captivating.

Of course, injuries are the wild card. They can derail even the most promising campaigns, which brings me back to the Bolts’ example. In the NBA, we’ve seen stars like Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard miss significant time, and their teams had to rely on depth—much like how the Bolts have Kennedy and Kouame waiting in the wings. Personally, I think the league should consider shortening the preseason to reduce wear and tear; right now, it spans about 4–5 weeks including training camp, which feels excessive. But until then, teams will continue to use this period to assess their rosters under real-game conditions. I’ve spoken with coaches who say these games help them identify which players can handle pressure—something stats alone can’t capture.

As we wrap up, let me share a final thought: the NBA preseason is more than a preamble—it’s a narrative in the making. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there’s something uniquely compelling about watching stories unfold before the real drama begins. This year, with the season tipping off in October, I’ll be keeping a close eye on how teams like the Bolts handle adversity, as it often mirrors what we see in the NBA. So mark your calendars, grab some popcorn, and get ready for a sneak peek into the future of basketball. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.