Basketball is back on our televisions!
Only days after training camps opened up around the league, several teams are preparing to tip off their preseason action on Friday. The Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics are starting things off with the Abu Dhabi Games 2024. The league’s prior two champions faced off in their first of two games at 11:00 p.m. CT.
For the Nuggets, it’ll be fans’ first taste of Russell Westbrook alongside Nikola Jokic. After losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this offseason, the Nuggets seemingly made Westbrook their primary target. As for the Celtics, they return a practically identical roster to the championship squad that took the floor last season. Kristaps Porzingis will remain sidelined for quite some time after an offseason surgery, but the Celtics will have their other stars on the floor. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday all started this afternoon’s battle in the UAE.
The second battle between Boston and Denver overseas will take place on Oct. 6. Then, both squads will return home for three more preseason meetings in the states.
The Friday fun doesn’t stop there. The NBA has two more games on the calendar that will tip off this evening on the West Coast. The first will see the Utah Jazz welcome the New Zealand Breakers at 8:00 p.m. CT. The Breakers will also face the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder during their US tour.
The NBA will round out Day 1 of the preseason with the matchup that will likely draw the most eyes. The Los Angeles Lakers will welcome in a Minnesota Timberwolves team that just traded away Karl-Anthony Towns. While it’s unclear exactly who will take the floor, this could be the first time NBA fans get a glimpse of Bronny and LeBron James on the court together. JJ Redick will also make his coaching debut. The game will be broadcast on NBA TV and tip-off at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Preseason basketball will continue on Saturday with the Warriors and Clippers before the ball really gets rolling with five different matchups on Sunday. Nevertheless, the Chicago Bulls will have to wait until Tuesday, Oct. 8 to begin their five-game slate with a trip to Cleveland. You can look at the Bulls’ full preseason schedule here.
