When does NBA preseason start?

When does the 2021-22 NBA preseason officially tip off?

With NBA teams starting media days on yesterday, many story lines for the season are already forming. We are learning about off-season injuries, hearing players speak on trade rumors, and getting an idea of team’s rotations. Today teams begin hitting the practice court, starting training camp. Now all that is left is for players to compete in an actual game. That starts with the preseason.

When does NBA preseason start?

The first NBA preseason game will be Sunday, Oct.3 when the Brooklyn Nets take on the Los Angeles Lakers at 3:30 p.m. ET. That will be the only game that day, with a heavier slate of games starting on Monday, Oct. 4. The preseason will run until Oct. 15.

Things to watch in the preseason

When the top two title favorites tip off the preseason on Oct. 3, the intensity will be far from the predicted finals, but there will still be a few things to look out for over the course of the preseason.

One is the return of the defending champs. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are scheduled to play their first preseason game Tuesday, Oct. 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The new-look Chicago Bulls, who have gained a lot of attention for their off-season moves, hit the court Tuesday, Oct. 5. This will be the fans’ first look at the team that has acquired DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball in addition to returning Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic.

The preseason will also give fans an opportunity to see rookies for the first time since summer league. No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons preseason tips off on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Second-overall pick Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets get going Tuesday, Oct. 5 as does No. 3 pick Evan Mobley and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

You can find the full NBA preseason schedule here.