The NBA preseason isn't just about shaking off the rust; it's a global spectacle, a stage for rising stars, and a proving ground for legends on the comeback trail! From electrifying performances to the highly anticipated NBA China Games, the league is already buzzing with high-octane action.
Key Preseason Takeaways
- Global Hoops Frenzy: The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks connect with a massive fanbase ahead of the NBA China Games 2026 in Macao.
- Curry's Enduring Spark & Rookie Impact: Steph Curry shines as the Golden State Warriors honor coaching legend Don Nelson, while young talents like Yaxel Lendeborg and Darryn Peterson flash their potential.
- Stars Fight Back: Haliburton & Lillard: Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard stand on the brink of remarkable returns after battling devastating Achilles injuries.
- Central Division Shake-Up: A deep dive into the Bucks, Bulls, Cavaliers, Pacers, and Pistons previews reveals a division brimming with new beginnings and championship aspirations.
Global Stage Lights Up: Rockets & Mavs in Macao
The NBA has officially landed in Macao, setting the stage for the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks to clash in two NBA China Games. More than just exhibition matches, this trip reinforces the league's commitment to its global fanbase, bridging cultures through basketball.
Fans eagerly welcomed the Rockets to their hotel, with chants for their biggest stars echoing through the crowd. Players, including Kevin Durant and Steven Adams, even offered behind-the-scenes glimpses of their accommodations, giving fans a closer look at life on the road.
After hitting the practice courts, players like Alperen Sengun took time to sign autographs, strengthening the connection between the team and its supporters. The energy continued as the Rockets embraced the local atmosphere ahead of Friday's opening matchup.
For the Mavericks, their stars experienced Macao from different perspectives. Nineteen-year-old Cooper Flagg was visiting Asia for the first time and embraced the opportunity to explore a new culture.
“First time in Asia,” Flagg said. “It’s pretty cool … get some fresh air, get to check out the new culture … I’m excited.”
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving has a much more familiar connection to the region. The 34-year-old described the trip as being like a “second home” because of the support he has received since he was 19.
Both Flagg and Irving also took part in autograph sessions before Dallas returned to the practice floor to prepare for Friday's showdown.
Curry Leads Warriors' Nellie Night
Back in the United States, the Golden State Warriors used Tuesday's preseason game to celebrate the legacy of coaching icon Don Nelson, who passed away in August at the age of 86.
Nelson spent 11 seasons across two stints as the Warriors' head coach, leading the famous “Run TMC” teams and the 2006-07 “We Believe” squad. Golden State honoured him with a special “Nellie” patch on its jerseys before beating the Los Angeles Lakers 124-98.
Yaxel Lendeborg, this year's No. 11 pick, stood out with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Stephen Curry added 16 points and five assists in just 14 minutes.
Curry, who played under Nelson as a rookie in 2009-10, also addressed the crowd before the game as the Warriors celebrated the coach's lasting impact on the franchise and the Bay Area.
The night was another reminder that while the Warriors are looking ahead to a new season, Nelson's influence remains part of the team's identity.
Young Stars Make Their Mark
Elsewhere in preseason action, Darryn Peterson impressed despite the Utah Jazz falling 117-106 to the Denver Nuggets.
The rookie produced a game-high 23 points and three assists in his second preseason outing, showing his ability to finish around the rim while also creating opportunities for teammates.
Denver ultimately pulled away behind Aaron Gordon, who scored 18 points, while Julian Strawther added 15 and Cam Whitmore finished with 14.
Nikola Jokic also made a brief appearance, recording six points, five assists and four rebounds in 16 minutes.
Haliburton and Lillard Prepare for Comebacks
The preseason also offers a major storyline away from the rookies, with Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard potentially making their returns from devastating Achilles injuries.
Their stories are remarkably similar. Lillard suffered his Achilles injury during Milwaukee's 2025 first-round series against Indiana, while Haliburton suffered the same injury 56 days later during Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 season as he worked through a lengthy rehabilitation. The Pacers star has described the process as returning to an underdog mentality similar to the one that shaped his journey from Iowa State to the NBA.
Lillard has taken a similar approach. After returning to Portland last summer following two seasons in Milwaukee, the veteran spent his first year back working through his recovery while mentoring the team from the sidelines.
Both players could complete another important step in their comebacks as the Pacers host the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Trail Blazers visit the Warriors.
Central Division Enters New Era
The preseason spotlight also turns toward the Central Division, where several teams enter the 2026-27 campaign with significant changes and unfinished business.
The Milwaukee Bucks begin a rebuilding phase under new head coach Taylor Jenkins, while the Chicago Bulls enter a new era with president Bryson Graham, head coach Tiago Splitter and No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to build greater chemistry around their existing core, while the Indiana Pacers hope to prove that their previous run to the Finals was no fluke.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons will rely heavily on the continued development of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren as they look to remain among the Eastern Conference contenders.
With new faces emerging, established stars returning and international basketball taking centre stage, the NBA preseason is already offering plenty of clues about what could lie ahead in 2026-27.
