The NBA regular season is less than two weeks away, and teams are making their final adjustments. New signings are settling in, star players are getting back into rhythm, and coaches are testing their rotations ahead of opening night.
October 9–11 brings 13 preseason games, including matchups in China and Canada, Kawhi Leonard facing his former team, and a heated Eastern Conference rivalry. Here’s what to watch this weekend with 888STARZ.
Mavericks vs Rockets: Two Games in Three Days
October 9 & 11 | NBA China Games
Dallas and Houston will meet twice in Macao, with Cooper Flagg and Kevin Durant among the biggest names to watch.
Both teams are looking to build chemistry before the regular season. Two meetings in three days should also give fans a better idea of how the coaches plan to manage their rotations and adjust their game plans.
Raptors vs Clippers: Kawhi Faces His Former Team
October 10 | NBA Canada Games
Seven years after helping Toronto win its first NBA championship in 2019, Kawhi Leonard is back with the Raptors. Now comes an early reunion with the Clippers, where he spent the previous seven seasons.
The game in Vancouver is another important test for Toronto’s new-look roster. One of the biggest questions is how quickly Leonard can develop chemistry with Scottie Barnes and the rest of the squad.
Celtics vs 76ers: A Rivalry With a New Twist
October 10 | Eastern Conference
The blockbuster offseason trade involving Jaylen Brown and Paul George has changed the outlook for both franchises.
Brown now gets to face his former team in a Philadelphia jersey, while George has an opportunity to show what he brings to Boston.
With LeBron James also joining the 76ers, Philadelphia’s revamped lineup is attracting plenty of attention. Of course, preseason minutes and player availability will depend on the coaching staff.
What Else Is Worth Watching?
Other notable games include Sacramento against Golden State, San Antonio against Phoenix, and Orlando against Cleveland.
Preseason results won’t count toward the regular-season standings, but these games can offer an early look at which teams are coming together ahead of October 20, when the new NBA season officially tips off.
Which teams look ready to make some noise? We’ll get a few more clues this weekend before breaking down the biggest results next week.
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