2025–26 NBA Season Preview: Preseason Schedule, Key Games & What Fans Can Expect 🏀🔥

The 2025–26 NBA season is almost here, and excitement is building across the basketball world. From blockbuster offseason trades to the return of international preseason games, fans are counting down the days until tip-off.

In this comprehensive season preview, we’ll break down everything you need to know — from the NBA preseason schedule (October 2–17, 2025) to key storylines, championship contenders, rookies to watch, and international matchups.

Whether you’re an NBA die-hard or a casual fan, here’s your all-in-one guide to the upcoming NBA season.

🗓 Important Dates for the 2025–26 NBA Season

The NBA has a packed calendar this year, giving fans non-stop basketball action. Here are the key dates you need to mark down:

NBA Preseason Start: October 2, 2025
NBA Preseason End: October 17, 2025
NBA Regular Season Tip-Off: October 21, 2025
Regular Season Ends: April 12, 2026
NBA All-Star Weekend: February 13–15, 2026 (San Francisco, CA)
NBA Playoffs Begin: April 18, 2026
NBA Finals (Projected Start): June 4, 2026

These dates set the stage for a six-month journey of basketball battles, rivalries, and highlight plays.

🏀 NBA 2025 Preseason Schedule: Key Games & Matchups

The NBA preseason is more than just a warm-up — it’s where rookies debut, lineups are tested, and fans get a first look at team chemistry.

This year’s exhibition games are particularly exciting because the NBA continues its global expansion, with preseason matchups scheduled in Abu Dhabi, Australia, and Macau.

Here’s a breakdown of notable preseason games:

🔹 October 2, 2025

Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks – Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

🔹 October 3, 2025

Melbourne United (NBL) vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Melbourne, Australia
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers – U.S. matchup

🔹 October 4, 2025

New York Knicks @ Philadelphia 76ers – Abu Dhabi

🔹 October 5, 2025

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors – California clash
Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns (Macau) – NBA returns to China region

🔹 October 6, 2025

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat
Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks

🔹 October 7–9, 2025

Cavaliers vs. Bulls
Timberwolves vs. Knicks
Spurs vs. Heat

🔹 October 10–14, 2025

Suns vs. Nets – Macau return leg
Trail Blazers vs. Warriors
Pelicans vs. Rockets

🔹 October 17, 2025 – Preseason Finale

Multiple games, including Kings vs. Lakers and Warriors vs. Clippers

👉 Teams like the Lakers, Knicks, Warriors, Rockets, and 76ers have five-game preseason schedules, while international matchups add excitement for global fans.

🌟 Players & Storylines to Watch in the 2025–26 Season

The NBA is in a golden era of talent, with superstars, rising rookies, and international stars all shaping the season’s narrative.

🔥 1. Superstar Returns from Injury

Several big names are coming back after long injury layoffs. Their health will drastically impact their teams’ championship hopes.

🔥 2. Rising Young Stars

This season’s rookie class is one of the most anticipated in years. Expect at least one newcomer to break out into stardom during the preseason.

🔥 3. MVP Race

With established stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Victor Wembanyama, the MVP battle is going to be tight.

🔥 4. Can the Defending Champs Repeat?

The reigning champions will have the target on their backs. Every contender will be gunning to knock them off their throne.

🔥 5. Global Growth of the NBA

International games in Abu Dhabi, Melbourne, and Macau highlight the NBA’s strategy to expand its global fanbase. Expect record-breaking international viewership this year.

🏆 Championship Contenders for 2025–26

The road to the 2026 NBA Finals is shaping up to be wide open. Here are some early favorites:

Boston Celtics – Deep roster, elite defense, and superstar duo.
Denver Nuggets – Led by Nikola Jokić, still a powerhouse in the West.
Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis remains a force of nature.
Los Angeles Lakers – Veterans mixed with young energy make them dangerous.
Golden State Warriors – With their veteran core intact, they remain a contender.
Rising Dark Horses – Teams like the Thunder, Cavaliers, and Pelicans are ready to surprise.

🌍 International Influence on the NBA

The NBA is more global than ever. Nearly 25% of players are international, and stars from Europe, Asia, and Africa continue to dominate.

The 2025 preseason global games are proof of the NBA’s global impact:

Abu Dhabi Games: Growing Middle Eastern basketball audience.
Australia Games: Strong NBL-NBA connection.
Macau Games: Reviving the NBA’s presence in China and surrounding markets.

This trend will only continue, with more talent pipelines opening worldwide.

📺 How to Watch the NBA Preseason & Regular Season

Fans worldwide can catch the action live through:

NBA League Pass (global streaming access)
ESPN, TNT, ABC (U.S. broadcasts)
Local sports networks (per team coverage)
International partners (Philippines, Europe, Asia broadcasts)

Streaming and social media highlights make the NBA more accessible and interactive than ever.

🔑 Why the 2025–26 NBA Season Matters

This NBA season will be remembered for:

Rookie debuts with superstar potential.
Veteran legacies — can stars add to their Hall of Fame résumés?
Global expansion, making the league truly international.
Tighter competition — there is no clear dominant team, making the season unpredictable.

🏀 Final Thoughts: A Season of Intensity & Surprises

The 2025–26 NBA season is shaping up to be a historic year. With a competitive preseason schedule, international expansion, and elite talent across the league, fans are in for nonstop action.

From October 2’s preseason opener in Abu Dhabi to the NBA Finals in June 2026, basketball lovers will have plenty of storylines, rivalries, and unforgettable moments to enjoy.

👉 Stay tuned here for NBA updates, game recaps, and breaking news all season long.