NBA Preseason Schedule 2024: Dates, Times, TV Info & More Revealed for Games | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

The preseason gives players their first chance to test themselves against their upcoming opponents, but the results can be misleading. For example, the Toronto Raptors were the only Eastern Conference team to go undefeated during the 2023 preseason, but they finished the year with a 25-57 record and missed the playoffs for the second straight year.

Sometimes the preseason can help determine which teams are ready to compete for an NBA championship. The Minnesota Timberwolves looked dominant, going 5-0 during the preseason before finishing third in the Western Conference with a 56-26 record, their first time with 55+ wins since the 2003-04 campaign.

During the pre-season, fans also get a better look at the rookies who hope to develop into future superstars.

2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks played just two games in Summer League and averaged 14.5 points, so he will have a chance to improve his showing as the team prepares for the regular season. Reed Sheppard of the Houston Rockets and Rob Dillingham of the Minnesota Timberwolves impressed during Summer League and will look to carry that momentum into the preseason.

Fans will no doubt be excited for the return of basketball season when the regular season pre-season begins on October 22.