With the 2025 NBA preseason officially underway, basketball fans everywhere are getting that familiar feeling: NBA hoops are almost back. After months without games, the preseason serves as the perfect reminder of why to love the game. While these matchups don’t count in the standings, they offer a valuable look at how teams are shaping up and how new additions, rookies, and role players are fitting in.
It’s also a time for fans to get their first taste of basketball action since the Finals, and this year’s preseason has not disappointed. Between international games, exciting young talent, and veteran stars shaking off the rust, there’s already a lot to talk about as we look ahead to the regular season.
One of the biggest storylines from this year’s preseason is how global the NBA has become. The league kicked things off in Abu Dhabi with two games between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers, drawing a lot of international attention. These kinds of matchups are more than just exhibition games; they show the NBA’s commitment to growing the game worldwide.
Similarly, the New Orleans Pelicans made history by playing in Australia, becoming the first NBA team to face NBL teams on their home court. These global games give fans around the world a chance to experience NBA basketball in person and allow players to grow closer through travel and unique cultural experiences. It also provides a cool twist to the usual preseason format and makes the games more exciting for everyone involved.
In the United States, several matchups stood out as early fan favorites. One of the most hyped games was the Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 5. Anytime these two teams play, even in preseason, it’s considered must-watch basketball. With LeBron James entering his 23rd season and still competing at a high level, it’s interesting to see how the Lakers are managing his minutes and testing new lineups.
On the other side, the Warriors are experimenting with younger talent and trying to figure out their identity post-dynasty. These games are useful because even if the stars play limited minutes, you get to see how the bench performs and which role players are ready to step up. Another fun game to watch was the Bucks vs. Bulls on Oct. 12, featuring two Eastern Conference teams trying to rebound from disappointing playoff results. These matchups don’t just entertain; they give clues about who’s ready for the spotlight when the regular season arrives.
Beyond the big-name matchups, the preseason is especially important for evaluating young players and making roster decisions. It’s the time when rookies get their first real NBA minutes, and players on the edge of rosters have one last shot to prove they belong.
The San Antonio Spurs have been undefeated so far, with exciting young players showing promise and fighting for roles. Meanwhile, teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics are using these games to experiment with rotations and give minutes to lesser-known players who could become key contributors. Coaches also use preseason games to test strategies and see how different lineups perform together. The wins and losses don’t matter much, but how a team looks and how individuals perform absolutely do.
The 2025 NBA preseason is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do: build excitement for the regular season while giving teams a chance to learn more about themselves. From international games that grow the sport globally, to competitive matchups between rivals, to breakout performances by young players, this preseason has already given us plenty to talk about.
While the games themselves don’t count in the standings, they absolutely count when it comes to preparation, chemistry, and momentum heading into the regular season. For fans, it’s a refreshing return to basketball after the offseason. For teams, it’s the final stretch of evaluation before the games really start to matter. Either way, hoops are almost officially back, and it feels great.
