Your Complete Guide to the 2019-20 NBA Preseason Schedule and Matchups
I remember sitting in the Golden 1 Center last October, watching the Sacramento Kings warm up for their preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. The energy was different from regular season games—more experimental, less intense, yet somehow more revealing about what teams were building toward. That's the beauty of the NBA preseason, a period that often gets overlooked but offers crucial insights into team dynamics and player development. Looking back at the 2019-20 NBA preseason schedule and matchups, I can't help but reflect on how these seemingly minor games set the stage for one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory.
The 2019-20 preseason kicked off on September 30th with the Shanghai Sharks facing the Houston Rockets, though most fans would argue the real action began when domestic teams started clashing on October 4th. What stood out to me was how teams approached these games differently. The Los Angeles Lakers, for instance, used their six preseason matchups to experiment with lineups that would later prove crucial during their championship run. I recall watching Anthony Davis play limited minutes alongside LeBron James, thinking how their chemistry was visibly building game by game. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors, still reeling from Kevin Durant's departure and Klay Thompson's injury, tested out young talents like Eric Paschall who averaged 16.7 points across four preseason appearances—numbers that hinted at his eventual All-Rookie selection.
What many casual observers miss about the preseason is how these games serve as critical evaluation periods, not just for star players but for roster spots 10 through 15. I've always been fascinated by how coaching staffs use these matchups. Teams like the Miami Heat, who would later surprise everyone by reaching the Finals, used their October 8th game against the Charlotte Hornets to test defensive schemes that became their trademark. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers focused on integrating Al Horford into their system through five preseason contests, though we'd later see that experiment didn't quite pan out as expected. The preseason provides this unique laboratory environment where coaches can make mistakes without regular season consequences.
International games have always held special significance in the preseason calendar, and the 2019 schedule featured matchups in Japan and China. Having attended preseason games abroad before, I can attest to the different atmosphere—it's less about winning and more about growing the game globally. The Toronto Raptors' games in Tokyo against the Houston Rockets drew over 30,000 combined attendees, showcasing the NBA's global appeal while allowing champions like Pascal Siakam to connect with international fans. These overseas trips also create unique bonding opportunities for teams, something that's harder to quantify but crucial for chemistry.
Reflecting on the reference about teams going through developmental phases, I'm reminded how the preseason serves as that crucial transition period for rebuilding franchises. The Memphis Grizzlies entered the 2019 preseason with rookie Ja Morant, and watching his 12.3 points and 6.7 assists per preseason game, you could already see the foundation of what would become one of the league's most exciting young cores. Similarly, the New Orleans Pelicans used their five preseason contests to gradually introduce Zion Williamson to NBA pace, though his knee injury limited that process. These developmental arcs mirror what the reference describes—teams and players going through necessary growth phases together.
The scheduling itself told interesting stories about team priorities. Back-to-back games, like the Lakers' October 12th and 13th matchups against the Warriors, tested conditioning strategies. Day games, such as the Celtics' October 13th afternoon contest against the Cavaliers, forced adjustments to routines that would later help during holiday matinees. What fascinates me is how these logistical details—travel patterns, rest periods between games—become data points for training staffs throughout the season. The preseason essentially becomes this six-week laboratory where everything from nutrition plans to recovery protocols gets refined.
As someone who's followed preseason trends for years, I've noticed how the approach to these games has evolved. Teams are increasingly cautious with star players—Kawhi Leonard appeared in just three of the Clippers' five preseason games, averaging only 22 minutes per appearance. Meanwhile, franchises like the Chicago Bulls used all four of their preseason contests to test their revamped roster, with newcomer Tomas Satoransky logging heavy minutes alongside Zach LaVine. This strategic variation makes preseason analysis both challenging and rewarding for dedicated followers.
The 2019-20 preseason wrapped up on October 18th with eight games, creating this perfect storm of final evaluations before roster cuts. I remember tracking bubble players like Chris Chiozza, who used his preseason minutes with the Washington Wizards to earn a two-way contract. These final games often determine careers, yet receive minimal media coverage compared to regular season openers. That contrast has always struck me as ironic—the games with the most at stake for individual players get the least attention from casual fans.
Looking back, the 2019-20 preseason was particularly significant because it preceded such a tumultuous season. The relationships built and systems tested during those October games became the foundation teams relied on during the COVID-19 hiatus and bubble restart. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, who used the preseason to integrate Jerami Grant into their rotation, saw those investments pay off during their dramatic playoff run. Meanwhile, organizations that treated preseason as mere formality often struggled with cohesion when the season resumed in Orlando.
The beauty of the NBA preseason lies in its duality—it's both meaningless and profoundly important simultaneously. While the 2019-20 preseason scores have long been forgotten by most fans, the patterns established, relationships forged, and evaluations made during those weeks shaped one of the most memorable seasons in NBA history. As we look toward future preseasons, I'll continue valuing these games not for their competitive intensity but for the stories they begin telling about teams and players embarking on new journeys together.