The excitement of NBA preseason basketball is upon us, and fans are ready to dive into the action. The 2024–25 preseason offers a lot to look forward to, including two primetime meetings between the Lakers and Timberwolves.
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The @celtics & the @nuggets are PUMPED for the inaugural game of the 24-25 NBA preseason, TONIGHT in Abu Dhabi! 🏜️#NBAinAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/tbs5wzC3Pj
— NBA India (@NBAIndia) October 4, 2024Opening Night Highlights
The Celtics and Nuggets tip off the preseason opener in Abu Dhabi, setting the tone for an exciting celebration. This matchup is just the beginning of a thrilling weekend. On Friday, fans will be treated to two more games: the New Zealand Breakers will take on the Jazz, and the Timberwolves will face off against the Lakers.
New Zealand Breakers vs. Utah Jazz {9 ET, NBA League Pass}
Basketball fans will be eager to see how the New Zealand Breakers, one of the top teams in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), measure up against Lauri Markkanen and the Utah Jazz. This game marks the third consecutive preseason featuring an NBL vs. NBA matchup, with the NBA leading the series 5-1. Last year, the Jazz defeated the Breakers 114-94, and Markkanen’s contribution of 15 points and seven rebounds was key.
Keep an eye on Utah’s three notable 2024 Draft picks: Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle Filipowski, who are expected to make their mark in this game.
Timberwolves vs. Lakers (10:30 ET, NBA TV)
The night continues with the Timberwolves taking on the Lakers in a highly anticipated game. Anthony Edwards and the revamped Wolves will be facing off against LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Of particular interest is Bronny James, who is expected to make his preseason debut. The Lakers made history by drafting Bronny with the No. 55 pick, becoming the first active father-son duo in the NBA.
As LeBron enters his 22nd season, he will be looking to lead the Lakers to redemption after last year’s first-round playoff exit. For the Timberwolves, this game will mark their first appearance since trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks for Julius Randle. This new roster dynamic adds an intriguing layer to the matchup.
Weekend Lineup
The action doesn’t stop there. On Saturday, Stephen Curry and the Warriors will make their preseason debut against James Harden and the Clippers in Honolulu, setting the stage for an exciting standalone game at 7 ET (NBA TV).
Sunday brings a packed schedule with five games, highlighted by the Nuggets vs. Celtics rematch in Abu Dhabi and the 10th edition of the Canada Series.
Five Reasons to Tune In
Preseason games are full with tales and offer a preview of what’s to come, even though they might not count toward the standings. Five reasons to watch the NBA’s return this season.
1. Familiar Faces in New Places
The offseason saw numerous players switch teams, and preseason is our first opportunity to see how these new additions will fit into their squads. Stars like Paul George in Philadelphia and Klay Thompson in Dallas will be under scrutiny, but one game to circle is the Knicks hosting the Timberwolves on October 13. This will be a chance to see Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle face their former teams after a blockbuster trade.
2. The Rookies
This year’s rookie class may not have the same hype as last year’s, but there are still plenty of intriguing prospects to watch. Top picks Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr will get significant opportunities with the Hawks and Wizards, respectively. Keep an eye on Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick by the Rockets, who aims to make an immediate impact after a strong summer league performance.
3. The LeBron and Bronny Dynamic
Perhaps the most captivating storyline this preseason is the father-son duo of LeBron and Bronny James. With Bronny making his Lakers debut, fans are eager to see how this unique dynamic plays out on the court. The preseason will offer insights into Bronny’s potential role within the team, especially as he tries to carve out a space for himself in the rotation.
4. Lonzo Ball’s Comeback
After two-and-a-half years of recovery from knee surgeries, Lonzo Ball is ready to return to the Bulls. His journey back to form is one to watch closely. If Ball can regain even a fraction of his previous skill set, he could significantly impact Chicago’s backcourt, adding much-needed defensive prowess and playmaking ability.
5. The New-Look Knicks
The Knicks have transformed their roster with the acquisitions of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. With center Mitchell Robinson sidelined due to injury, the addition of Towns brings both size and shooting to the frontcourt. The preseason will give fans their first glimpse of how these new pieces, particularly the chemistry between Towns and Jalen Brunson, will fit into the Knicks’ system.
As the NBA preseason kicks off, fans are primed for storylines that extend beyond the court. From the debut of LeBron and Bronny to the excitement of new rosters and rookie talent, the coming weeks promise a wealth of basketball drama and intrigue. With every game, we inch closer to the regular season, but for now, let the preseason excitement begin!
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