The NBA preseason began sooner than traditional for the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers this fall.
As with Nermal, Garfield’s perky foil, they shipped off to Abu Dhabi for a pair of exhibition video games starting Thursday.
At some point later – properly, morning, within the U.S. – the New Orleans Pelicans will change into the primary NBAers to play in Australia when their preseason slate begins towards Melbourne United.
The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will play preseason video games overseas, too.
Loads of motion additionally awaits stateside earlier than the common season suggestions off on Oct. 22, although.
Let’s have a look at 5 issues to observe this preseason.
Is that this LeBron’s swan music?
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James seemingly averted questions on driving into the sundown final preseason as a result of coaching camp was a collection of “Take Your Son to Work” days. Now, his most notable teammate is Luka Doncic, who joined LA for the stretch run final season earlier than the crew misplaced to Minnesota in 5 video games within the first spherical of the playoffs. The Lakers and the remainder of the Western Convention face a more durable street in 2025-26. The Lakers must develop their supporting solid behind their two headliners, beginning with the well being of presumed submit presence DeAndre Ayton. It additionally can be good to carve out some contingencies ought to James, who turns 41 in December, request a commerce if issues aren’t going properly.
What can the Thunder do for an encore?
Sure, the West initiatives to be extra daunting this season, however the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder nonetheless sit on high of it and the NBA. The reigning champions boast a youthful and proficient core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, every of whom are 27 or youthful. How will the Thunder fare, although, with targets on their backs? The principals have talked a great sport about sustaining their mindset, however the hypotheticals vanish as soon as the ball goes within the air.
What can Brown do for the Knicks?
Dec 8, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown gestures throughout the first quarter towards the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Pictures Heading abroad gives a chance for groups to bond, a proposition that might particularly swimsuit the Knicks as they start working underneath veteran coach Mike Brown.
Even with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Cities and Co. surging in latest seasons, possession felt Thom Thibodeau wasn’t the proper bench boss to take New York to the highest – or no less than to the NBA Finals for the primary time in 1 / 4 century. Brown hasn’t guided a crew to the Finals in almost 20 years, however nothing has modified in regards to the microscope within the Massive Apple.
How is Joel Embiid’s well being?
Feb 22, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers heart Joel Embiid (21) controls the ball towards Brooklyn Nets heart Day’Ron Sharpe (20) throughout the third quarter at Wells Fargo Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Invoice Streicher-Imagn Pictures Whether or not they’re operating the ground within the United Arab Emirates or the primary capital of the US, the Sixers go as heart Joel Embiid does. Currently, that frustratingly has not been very far. Philly gained simply 24 video games a season in the past, snapping a string of seven straight journeys to the playoffs, though none of these lasted longer than the East semifinals. Accidents restricted Embiid to only 19 video games in 2024-25, about half as many as he logged the earlier season.
How will Mr. Cooper cling?
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is aware of what it’s wish to be a high-profile ballhandler, so he sought to speed up high choose Cooper Flagg’s improvement throughout summer season league.
The Lakers famously double-teamed Flagg on the primary possession of his first sport, and opponents’ consideration will not determine to stray going ahead. As regular-season checks await, can Flagg show himself to be a constant scorer and defender?
