NBA Preseason 2019-20 Schedule: Complete Game Dates and Matchup Guide
As I sit down to analyze the 2019-20 NBA preseason schedule, I can't help but reflect on how these exhibition games often mirror the journey of underdog teams finding their footing. The quote from the Alas Pilipinas women's basketball team about their developmental struggles particularly resonates with me - "Kaming mga Alas Pilipinas went through that. Comparing to us, kaming women's, nag-go through na rin kami du'n na mga bata kasama." This sentiment perfectly captures what the NBA preseason represents for both established stars and raw rookies alike. The 2019-20 preseason kicks off on September 30th with the Shanghai Sharks facing the Houston Rockets in an international showcase, immediately setting the tone for a global basketball celebration that will span three weeks of intense preparation.
Having followed NBA preseasons for over fifteen years, I've noticed how these games have evolved from mere formalities to crucial developmental periods. The schedule features 49 total games running through October 18th, with teams playing between three to five contests each. What many casual fans don't realize is that these games serve multiple purposes - they allow coaches to experiment with rotations, help players shake off offseason rust, and give front offices one last look at roster bubble players. I distinctly remember watching the Lakers-Clippers preseason matchup last year and thinking how it foreshadowed their eventual playoff intensity, even though both teams were resting key players for significant minutes.
The international games particularly stand out to me, not just for their global appeal but for how they test teams' adaptability. When Dallas faces Detroit in Mexico City on October 9th, the altitude and travel conditions create unique challenges that can't be replicated in practice. I've spoken with several NBA trainers who confirm that these international trips, while grueling, provide invaluable bonding experiences for new-look rosters. The preseason schedule cleverly clusters these international games early, with the Rockets playing the Raptors in Tokyo on October 8th and 10th, giving both teams adequate recovery time before returning to stateside action.
From my perspective, the most intriguing preseason matchups often involve teams with significant roster turnover. The Brooklyn Nets, featuring their newly-acquired superstar Kevin Durant alongside Kyrie Irving, scheduled four preseason contests beginning October 4th against Brazilian team Sesi Franca. While Durant wouldn't actually play due to injury rehabilitation, these games gave me my first glimpse of how the Nets' system would adapt to their new personnel. The coaching staff used these games to experiment with unconventional lineups, something that's much riskier to do during the regular season when every game matters in the standings.
What many analytics-focused fans overlook is how the preseason schedule strategically avoids back-to-back games for most teams, with only seven instances across the entire slate. This deliberate pacing allows for proper practice days between games, which coaches consistently tell me is more valuable than the games themselves. The Warriors, for instance, scheduled their five preseason games with at least two days between each contest, providing ample time for Steve Kerr to implement new offensive sets and defensive schemes. Having attended several preseason practices, I can confirm that these sessions often involve more teaching and correction than regular season practices.
The timing of preseason finales particularly fascinates me, as teams approach these games quite differently. Most clubs schedule their last preseason contest around October 15th-18th, with the majority opting for a four-day gap before the regular season opener on October 22nd. I've noticed that contending teams often treat their final preseason game as a dress rehearsal, playing their starters extended minutes, while rebuilding squads continue to prioritize evaluation of end-of-bench players. The Celtics-Sixers matchup on October 15th perfectly illustrated this dichotomy, with Philadelphia resting Joel Embiid while Boston played their projected starting five for three full quarters.
Reflecting on the Alas Pilipinas quote about development, I see clear parallels in how NBA teams use the preseason to integrate young players. The Memphis Grizzlies, who would debut rookie Ja Morant that season, scheduled him for heavy minutes across their four preseason games despite his limited professional experience. This approach reminded me of how developmental leagues operate - throwing players into deep water to accelerate their growth. Having watched Morant struggle through his first two preseason games before showing flashes of brilliance in the final two, I'm convinced this trial-by-fire approach significantly shortened his learning curve.
The business side of preseason scheduling often goes unnoticed by fans, but having worked in NBA front offices, I appreciate the strategic considerations involved. Teams typically schedule at least one home preseason game to satisfy season ticket packages while balancing revenue with practical concerns like travel. The Lakers, for instance, played three of their four preseason games at Staples Center, maximizing revenue while minimizing disruption to their training routine. Meanwhile, small-market teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder often hit the road more frequently, using preseason games as opportunities to expand their brand reach in neutral-site locations.
As the preseason concluded on October 18th with a five-game slate featuring several division rivalries, I couldn't help but feel the anticipation building for the regular season. These 49 games, while statistically meaningless, provided crucial data points for coaches, players, and analysts alike. The development journey that the Alas Pilipinas women described - working through struggles with young teammates - perfectly encapsulates what these weeks represent for NBA organizations. The preseason isn't about wins and losses; it's about laying the foundation for the marathon ahead, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and building the chemistry that ultimately separates contenders from pretenders. Having witnessed numerous teams transform during these exhibition games, I remain convinced that the preseason, while often criticized, provides indispensable value that manifests throughout the grueling 82-game regular season.
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