Intriguing NBA Preseason Games To Watch

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Oct 2, 2012

Intriguing NBA Preseason Games To Watch

Celtics vs. Fenerbahce Ulker

The NBA preseason kicks off overseas this season as the Celtics open against Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul, Turkey. Five years ago, the Celtics also opened the preseason on foreign soil, and the trip proved to be a bonding experience that helped propel the team to its last championship. Can this expedition provide a similar boost? It's one of several intriguing preseason games that hoop fans won't want to miss. Click through for a couple more.

Hornets vs. Magic

Hornets fans got a glimpse of the No. 1 pick when he played with Team USA in London earlier this summer, and on Oct. 7, they'll get to see his incredible length in person. Facing an undersized Magic front line, Davis should be a treat for New Orleans fans to watch from Day 1.

Lakers vs. Warriors

With Dwight Howard expected to miss most, if not all of the preseason, this game won't be the real debut of the new-look Lakers, but it'll still be worth watching. Coach Mike Brown has spent the offseason finding ways to integrate Steve Nash into the offense, and we'll get a peek of that offensive philosophy when the Lakers take on the Warriors.

Raptors vs. Real Madrid

It took more than a year for him to make it to the NBA, but so far, Jonas Valanciunas appears to have been worth the wait for the Raptors. The 7-footer was a defensive force in scrimmages before he injured his calf, and fans hope the 20-year-old can be back in time for the Raptors' preseason debut.

Bulls vs. Grizzlies

Life without Derrick Rose is nothing new for the Bulls, who went 18-9 without the former MVP last season, but this time around might be different. There's no clear timetable for Rose's return from ACL surgery, forcing coach Tom Thibodeau to put together a patchwork offense with the help of point guard Kirk Hinrich (left). We'll get a sense of how effective that offense will be when the Bulls play the Grizzlies on Oct. 9.

Kings vs. Suns

The post-Steve Nash era starts in earnest when the Suns take on the Kings in their preseason debut. Can the combination of Goran Dragic/Kendall Marshall fill the void left by the two-time MVP? We'll see how close they can come against the Kings.

Nets vs. Wizards

The Nets make their Brooklyn debut against the Wizards on Oct. 15, and there will be plenty to watch. We know the new-look Nets can score, but will they make a commitment to defense? How will the team be received by its new fans? Inquiring minds will get a sense when the team hits the floor at the Barclays Center that evening.

Thunder vs. Nuggets

No one was more disappointed to see Andre Iguodala traded to the Nuggets than Kevin Durant, who now has to face Iguodala on a regular basis as a division rival. With his length and quickness, the new Nugget is an ideal defensive matchup for Durant. We'll get a glimpse of what's soon to be the most interesting rivalry in the Northwest when the teams face off on Oct. 21.

Nets vs. Knicks

The battle for the heart of New York begins on Oct. 24. Can a promising Nets team steal the Knicks' thunder with a preseason win? For fans, this is just an appetizer; the two teams will meet again in the season opener on Nov. 1.

Clippers vs. Lakers

The Lakers stole headlines this offseason, but the Clippers enter the season under a lot of pressure too. Chris Paul is poised to be a free agent next summer, and the Clippers may need to improve on last season's second-round exit to persuade him to re-sign. A late-preseason game against the Lakers could be a good measuring stick for the deep, experienced Clippers.