As a lifelong NBA fan who’s been tracking preseason schedules for years, I’ve always found the lead-up to the regular season just as exciting as the playoffs in some ways. It’s that perfect window where you get a first glimpse of new rosters, rookies making their debut, and teams testing strategies—all without the high-stakes pressure. So when the NBA Preseason 2019-20 Schedule dropped, I dove right in, mapping out which matchups were must-watch and which were sleeper hits. Let me walk you through how I approach dissecting the preseason calendar, step by step, so you can make the most of those games too.
First off, I always start by grabbing the full schedule—official releases are your best friend here. For the 2019-20 season, the NBA rolled out a slate of games from late September through mid-October, with key dates like the Lakers vs. Warriors on October 5th and the Celtics taking on the Hornets on October 6th. I jot these down in a simple spreadsheet, noting venues and broadcast info where available. It’s not just about the big names, though; I look for games that feature revamped lineups, like when the Clippers faced the Rockets on October 3rd—that was a sneak peek at potential Western Conference drama. My method here is straightforward: prioritize matchups with storyline potential, whether it’s a superstar’s return from injury or a trade that shook up the offseason. But a word of caution: don’t overcommit to watching every single game live. Preseason is fluid—stars might sit out, and rotations are experimental—so I usually pick 5-7 games that align with my interests and set reminders. Last year, I missed a thrilling upset because I didn’t check for last-minute updates; learn from my mistake and keep an eye on team announcements a day or two before tip-off.
Now, when it comes to analyzing these games, I lean into the under-the-radar elements. For instance, I remember watching the Grizzlies vs. Pelicans on October 9th and focusing on Zion Williamson’s minutes restriction—it taught me to always cross-reference injury reports. That’s where the reference knowledge base comes into play, much like how the Alas Pilipinas women’s team navigated their own challenges. As they shared, "Kaming mga Alas Pilipinas went through that. Comparing to us, kaming women’s, nag-go through na rin kami du’n na mga bata kasama." This resonates because, in preseason, young players and new additions often share the court with veterans, learning on the fly. I apply that insight by paying extra attention to how rookies mesh with the core squad—it’s not just about stats but chemistry. In my experience, games like the Spurs vs. Heat on October 14th highlighted this beautifully, with Dejounte Murray’s return blending with younger talents. I’d suggest taking notes on player interactions during timeouts or post-game interviews; it adds depth beyond the scoreboard.
Another key step is balancing excitement with realism. Preseason results can be misleading—teams might coast or experiment wildly. I recall one game where the Bucks lost by 20 points but were clearly resting Giannis; if I’d panicked, I’d have missed their regular-season dominance. So, my approach is to treat it as a learning lab: watch for defensive schemes, three-point attempts, and bench depth. For example, in the 2019-20 preseason, the average team attempted around 33 threes per game, up from previous years—a trend I tracked to predict regular-season styles. But here’s a personal preference: I always root for the underdogs in preseason, like the Suns vs. Kings matchup on October 16th, because upsets here can signal breakout years. Just don’t get too attached to outcomes; I’ve learned the hard way that a blowout win doesn’t always translate to November success.
Wrapping up, diving into the NBA Preseason 2019-20 Schedule isn’t just about marking dates—it’s a craft that blends preparation with adaptability. By following these steps, you’ll not only enjoy the games more but also gain insights that pay off when the real action begins. And as the Alas Pilipinas example shows, embracing the journey with patience, whether in sports or fandom, makes all the difference. So grab that schedule, pick your spots, and get ready for tip-off—it’s going to be a fun ride.
