As I sit here scrolling through the latest training camp footage, I can’t help but feel that familiar buzz in the air—the NBA preseason is finally upon us. Having followed the league for over a decade, I’ve come to appreciate these exhibition games not just as warm-ups, but as windows into what’s coming next. This year, with the 2022 preseason kicking off on September 30th and running through October 14th, there’s a palpable sense of urgency. Teams are cramming in preparation for what promises to be one of the most grueling seasons yet, especially with the added challenge of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers looming. So, if you’re wondering what to expect from the NBA preseason 2022 games and schedule, let me walk you through the key storylines and why this year feels different.
First off, the schedule itself is packed—each of the 30 teams will play at least three and up to five preseason games, totaling around 49 matchups. That might not sound like much, but for coaches and players, it’s a critical testing ground. I remember back in 2019, when the Raptors used preseason to fine-tune their rotations, and it paid off with a championship run. This time, though, the stakes are higher because of the condensed timeline and international commitments. Take the Australian national team, for instance; their coach recently emphasized, "We need to have a nice, big pool of players to be able to play all these competitions and be successful." That sentiment echoes across the NBA, where franchises like the Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors are balancing star rest with developing depth. In my view, this preseason isn’t just about avoiding injuries—it’s about building rosters that can withstand a marathon year.
Now, let’s talk about the core events shaping this preseason. One major shift I’ve noticed is the emphasis on youth and versatility. Rookies like Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren are getting significant minutes, and it’s thrilling to watch. For example, in the Warriors’ first preseason game, they experimented with small-ball lineups that had Jonathan Kuminga at center—a move that could redefine their regular-season strategy. But it’s not all smooth sailing; injuries are already making waves. Just last week, the Clippers announced Kawhi Leonard would be limited to 15-20 minutes per game, which honestly worries me. He’s a game-changer, and if he’s not 100%, it could derail their title hopes. Meanwhile, teams like the Lakers are using these games to integrate new pieces, and I’ll admit, I’m skeptical about their fit. Russell Westbrook’s chemistry with LeBron James still feels off, and preseason is their last chance to iron that out.
Expert commentary has been flooding in, and it’s adding layers to the narrative. Brian Windhorst from ESPN pointed out that the increased back-to-backs in the preseason schedule—about 12 sets across the league—are a deliberate stress test for depth. He’s spot on; I’ve seen how fatigue in October can spill into November. Then there’s the Australian coach’s quote, which keeps popping up in discussions. "We need to have a nice, big pool of players to be able to play all these competitions and be successful"—that’s not just a FIBA concern. NBA teams are taking notes, with the Celtics, for instance, carrying 18 players into camp to simulate high-intensity scenarios. From my perspective, this approach is smart but risky. Overworking guys now could lead to burnout later, and I’ve always believed that preserving stars like Kevin Durant or Steph Curry should be the top priority. Still, the data nerds might disagree; they’ll cite stats like last year’s preseason where teams that won 60% of their games had a 55% better playoff seeding—though I’m not fully convinced that correlation means causation.
As we wrap up, it’s clear that the 2022 NBA preseason is more than just a curtain-raiser. It’s a strategic battleground where coaches experiment, young players prove themselves, and the foundation for the entire season is laid. Personally, I’m most excited to see how the Suns handle their point guard rotation with Chris Paul aging, and whether the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo can ramp up without hiccups. But let’s be real—the real takeaway here is adaptability. In a league where surprises are the norm, understanding what to expect from the NBA preseason 2022 games and schedule means embracing the unpredictability. So grab your popcorn, folks; this is where the drama begins, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
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