Your Complete Guide to the 2019-20 NBA Preseason Schedule and Matchups
As I sit down to write this complete guide to the 2019-20 NBA preseason schedule, I can't help but reflect on how preseason games remind me of what the Alas Pilipinas women's basketball team went through during their development years. Just like those young athletes who had to go through growing pains before reaching their potential, NBA teams use these exhibition games to test new strategies and develop chemistry. The preseason might not count in the standings, but it's absolutely crucial for team building and player development.
The 2019-20 NBA preseason officially kicked off on September 30th, 2019, with the first game featuring the Shanghai Sharks against the Houston Rockets. Now, I've got to be honest here - I've always found these international games particularly fascinating. There were 49 total preseason games scheduled that year, with several matches taking place internationally, including games in Japan and India for the very first time. The Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets played two games in Tokyo, while the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings made history by playing the first-ever NBA games in India. These international matchups weren't just about basketball - they were about growing the game globally, much like how the women's Philippine team had to go through their own expansion phases to build their program.
Looking back at that preseason schedule, I remember being particularly excited about the Lakers-Warriors matchup on October 16th. As a lifelong basketball fan, I've always had a soft spot for superstar showdowns, and seeing LeBron James and Stephen Curry share the court, even in preseason, was something special. The preseason ran through October 18th, giving teams roughly three weeks to prepare before the regular season tipped off on October 22nd. What many casual fans don't realize is that coaches use these games differently - some treat them as serious competitions while others focus entirely on evaluating their bench players and new acquisitions.
I vividly recall tracking the performance of rookie players during that preseason. Zion Williamson, despite his knee issues, showed flashes of brilliance in his limited appearances for the Pelicans. Meanwhile, teams like the Clippers carefully managed Kawhi Leonard's minutes, giving him just enough court time to build rhythm without risking fatigue. The preseason schedule included several intriguing storylines - from Russell Westbrook adjusting to his new team in Houston to the Philadelphia 76ers testing their new-look starting lineup. Personally, I've always believed that preseason performances can be misleading, but they do provide valuable insights into team dynamics and player conditioning.
The 2019-20 preseason featured some interesting experimental elements too. The NBA continued testing their coach's challenge system and expanded the use of instant replay. There were also changes to the foul shot rules that got their first real-game applications during these exhibition matches. From my perspective as someone who's followed basketball for decades, these preseason trials are essential for working out kinks before the games actually matter. It's similar to how the women's national team had to go through those developmental stages - you need that trial period to identify what works and what doesn't.
Reflecting on that particular preseason, what stood out to me was how teams approached player rest and workload management. The Milwaukee Bucks, for instance, gave Giannis Antetokounmpo limited minutes while focusing on integrating their new role players. The Denver Nuggets used their preseason schedule to experiment with different lineup combinations, particularly looking at how Michael Porter Jr. could fit into their rotation. These strategic decisions during what some dismiss as "meaningless games" often set the tone for the entire regular season.
As we look back at the complete 2019-20 NBA preseason schedule and matchups, it's clear that these games served as crucial preparation for what would become one of the most unusual seasons in NBA history due to the pandemic. The preseason provided valuable court time for players to shake off rust and for coaches to implement systems that would carry them through the challenging months ahead. Just like the Alas Pilipinas women's team had to endure their developmental phases, NBA teams used this period to build foundations that would ultimately determine their success when the real games began. The preseason might not have the glamour of playoff basketball, but for true students of the game, it offers fascinating insights into team development and strategic planning that often prove decisive months later.
