Kristian Ferrell
The NBA preseason is an important period for teams to evaluate their rosters, test new strategies, and prepare for the upcoming regular season. Teams have the freedom to arrange their own schedules, pick opponents, and determine the number of preseason games they play, with a maximum of six games allowed. The preseason typically starts in late September or early October, with training camps opening for teams beforehand. The 2024-25 NBA preseason, for example, started on October 4 and ended on October 18, with the regular season commencing on October 22.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Start date of NBA preseason | 4 October |
| End date of NBA preseason | 18 October |
| Number of preseason games | No minimum, maximum of 6 |
| Training camp start date | 1 October |
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What You'll Learn
- The 2024-25 NBA preseason starts on October 4 and ends on October 18
- Teams are limited to a maximum of six preseason games
- Teams arrange their own schedules, pick opponents, and decide if they want to play games
- Preseason is a time for teams to experiment with new strategies
- Preseason games are televised nationally and locally
The 2024-25 NBA preseason starts on October 4 and ends on October 18
The 2024-25 NBA preseason is set to begin on October 4, with training camps opening on October 1 for players to return and get their fitness levels up to scratch before the regular season starts. Preseason is always highly anticipated as fans are keen to catch a glimpse of their potentially new-look side. Coaches will be implementing tactical tweaks, and new players will have time to settle into their new surroundings. Preseason games will be hosted at NBA teams' own arenas, as well as neutral sites in domestic non-NBA markets, foreign markets, or against non-NBA teams.
The preseason will feature seven games that will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, ESPN2, and TNT. These include:
- Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets
- New Zealand Breakers vs Utah Jazz
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers
- Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers
- Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics
- New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets
- Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons
The preseason will end on October 18, with the regular season starting on October 22. The NBA preseason is approximately two weeks long, with the 2024-25 preseason lasting for 14 days. This is a crucial period for teams to finalise their rosters and make any last-minute adjustments before the official games begin.
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Teams are limited to a maximum of six preseason games
Preseason in the NBA is a time for teams to evaluate their rosters, test out new strategies, and prepare for the competitive regular season. Teams have a great deal of freedom in scheduling their preseason, with the only mandate from the NBA being that teams cannot play more than six preseason games each year. Teams arrange their own schedules, pick their opponents, and decide whether to play any games at all.
The preseason schedule is influenced by a combination of personal relationships, geography, and commerce. Each franchise has a point person responsible for negotiating deals and coordinating dates with other teams. Home-and-home contracts are often sought after as they are mutually beneficial, with each team guaranteed a home preseason game, even if not in the same year. Agreements may also include clauses allowing for games to be played in the team's home arena or a mutually agreed-upon venue, providing flexibility for franchises.
The number of preseason games has decreased in recent years due to factors such as increased revenue streams and the preferences of basketball operations teams. For example, the Magic, who used to play eight preseason games, have downshifted to four games, allowing them to focus on training camp and preparation for the regular season.
The 2024-25 NBA preseason started on October 4 and will run until October 18, with games taking place in various locations, including Abu Dhabi, Montreal, and the United States. Teams participating in preseason games outside of North America opened training camps earlier, on September 25, while other teams started training camps on October 1.
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Teams arrange their own schedules, pick opponents, and decide if they want to play games
The NBA preseason is one of the last bastions of freedom in professional basketball, where teams have the autonomy to arrange their schedules, select their opponents, and decide whether to play games at all. This flexibility allows teams to prioritize their preparation and strategy for the regular season while also considering the business and financial aspects of the preseason.
During the preseason, teams have the freedom to create schedules that work best for them. They can choose to play anywhere from zero to six games, with no minimum number of games mandated by the NBA. This enables teams to focus on training camps and other preparations if they prefer. The preseason schedule is often influenced by personal relationships, geography, and commercial considerations.
Geography plays a crucial role in scheduling, as teams seek mutually beneficial arrangements. Home-and-home contracts are particularly sought after, as they guarantee each team a home preseason game, even if not in the same year. Agreements may include specific venues, such as a team's G League arena, which requires the visiting team's approval.
Teams also have the discretion to pick their opponents during the preseason. This selection process can involve various factors, such as personal connections and the desire to play against specific teams for strategic or financial reasons. In recent years, there has been a shift in scheduling approaches. Previously, the business side heavily influenced the schedule, with teams playing up to eight games to maximize revenue. However, with increased revenue streams, teams like the Magic have downshifted to four games, prioritizing basketball operations and a specific preseason cadence.
The preseason offers a unique opportunity for teams to tailor their preparations according to their preferences and needs. While there is a focus on generating sufficient revenue, the basketball side of franchises also recognizes the importance of utilizing these games to experiment with strategies and evaluate rosters before the start of the regular season. This balance between business and basketball considerations makes preseason scheduling a complex but essential aspect of the NBA calendar.
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Preseason is a time for teams to experiment with new strategies
Preseason in the NBA usually lasts for around two weeks, with teams playing anywhere from zero to six games. During this time, teams are free to arrange their own schedules, pick their opponents, and experiment with new strategies.
The preseason is a time for teams to test out different tactics and lineups to see what works best. It's a period of trial and error, where coaches can make adjustments and tweak their strategies without the high stakes of the regular season. This freedom allows teams to focus on their specific needs and goals, whether that's working on offensive or defensive schemes, trying out new plays, or giving younger players a chance to shine.
For example, a team might want to test out a new defensive strategy, like a different style of zone defense or a full-court press. They can try this out in preseason games and see how effective it is against different opponents. If it works well, they might continue to implement it during the regular season. Likewise, a team with a lot of new players might use the preseason to work on building chemistry and cohesion, trying out different combinations of players on the court to see which groups work best together.
The preseason is also a valuable opportunity for players to get back into game shape and sharpen their skills. It allows them to shake off any rust and build their confidence before the regular season begins. This is especially important for teams that have made significant roster changes during the offseason, whether through trades, free agency, or the draft.
While the preseason might not get the same level of attention as the regular season, it is a crucial period for teams to experiment, evaluate their rosters, and prepare for the challenges ahead. It sets the tone for the rest of the season and can often provide an early indication of how well a team might perform once the games start to count.
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Preseason games are televised nationally and locally
The NBA preseason is a highly anticipated period for basketball fans, offering a glimpse of what's to come in the regular season. The preseason games are not just about team preparation and strategy testing but also about building excitement and providing fans with early access to the action. This is why these games are televised nationally and locally, ensuring that fans across the country can tune in and catch the early performances of their favourite teams and players.
The NBA preseason games are aired on a variety of channels, providing fans with multiple viewing options. National television networks like ESPN, NBA TV, and TNT play a significant role in broadcasting these preseason games. Select games are featured on these channels, giving fans the opportunity to watch their favourite teams in action. Additionally, regional sports networks and local channels also televise preseason games, ensuring that fans in specific regions can follow their local teams' preseason journeys.
To cater to the diverse viewing preferences of fans, streaming services have also become a popular medium for watching preseason games. NBA League Pass, for example, offers fans the chance to stream many preseason games online. This provides a convenient option for those who prefer to watch on their digital devices or for those who may not have access to traditional television channels. Streaming services often provide additional features, such as on-demand replays and the ability to watch games on the go.
The 2024 NBA preseason, which started on October 4 and ended on October 18, was well-covered by national and local broadcasters. Fans could tune in to channels like ESPN, NBA TV, and local regional networks to catch the action. Additionally, the WNBA preseason schedule for 2025 also promises multiple national broadcasts across ESPN, ION, and NBA TV, showcasing the league's commitment to making preseason content accessible to a wide audience.
Preseason games are an integral part of the basketball calendar, and their national and local television coverage underscores their importance. Fans eagerly anticipate these early matchups, and broadcasters recognise the demand for this content. By televising these games, networks provide fans with the opportunity to witness the strategies, roster decisions, and player performances that set the tone for the upcoming regular season. It's a chance for fans to get an early look at their favourite teams and start the basketball season with excitement and anticipation.
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Frequently asked questions
The NBA preseason lasts for around two weeks.
The NBA preseason starts on October 4.
The NBA preseason ends on October 18.
The NBA doesn't mandate a minimum number of games, but teams can't play more than six each year.
The WNBA preseason starts in early May.
