NBA Preseason Week 1 Preview

This Friday marks the start of the NBA preseason, and there’s an exciting matchup: the Denver Nuggets will face the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics.

Additionally, LeBron James and the Lakers could provide the first minutes of the “King” playing alongside his son, Bronny. The Lakers’ opponent will be the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The other Los Angeles team, the Clippers, will hit the court against the Golden State Warriors, who no longer have their legend, Klay Thompson.

Another intriguing matchup will see the Milwaukee Bucks facing off against the Detroit Pistons.

NBA Preseason Week 1: Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics

When?	Friday, October 4 at noon ET, 11:00 am CST, 10:00 am MT, and 9:00 am PT
Where?	Etihad Arena
Where can I watch it?	NBA League Pass

Denver Nuggets faced a tough blow this offseason as they saw Kentavious Caldwell-Pope depart due to their unwillingness to pay him what he asked. In his place, the management brought in Russell Westbrook, who was once a league standout but is now searching for his role in the NBA.

The 2023 champions will again rely on MVP Nikola Jokic, but they need Jamal Murray to overcome his physical issues to be a key contributor on a team that is no longer the top contender in the Western Conference.

The reigning NBA champions, Boston Celtics, retained much of their roster and are aiming to repeat as champions, something thathasn’t happened since the Golden State Warriors did it in 2017 and 2018.

The bad news for Joe Mazzulla is that Kristaps Porzingis is injured and will not be available until December. However, stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White must maintain their performance at the highest level.

Nuggets vs. Celtics Betting Pick: Celtics

NBA Preseason Week 1: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

When?	Friday, October 4 at 10:30 pm ET, 9:30 pm CST, 8:30 pm MT, and 7:30 pm PT
Where?	Acrisure Stadium
Where can I watch it?	NBA League Pass

Los Angeles Lakers have only one new addition for this season: the arrival of Bronny James, the son of their star player, veteran LeBron James, who will turn 40 in December.

Despite his age, LeBron guarantees strong performance, but not much is expected from Bronny, as he already showed during the Summer League that he is not ready for the NBA.

The Minnesota Timberwolves made a significant move just hours ago, sending one of their key players, Karl-Anthony Towns, to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.

This move was financially motivated, as they didn’t want to pay the Dominican player. In return, they received Randle, who could complement Anthony Edwards better as a playmaker. DiVincenzo is also a great threat from beyond the arc.

Lakers vs. Timberwolves Betting Pick: Timberwolves

NBA Preseason Week 1: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors

When?	Saturday, October 5 at 7:00 pm ET, 6:00 pm CST, 5:00 pm MT, and 4:00 pm PT
Where?	Stan Sheriff Center
Where can I watch it?	NBA League Pass

There isn’t much to expect from the Los Angeles Clippers this season. First, Paul George left the team, and then Kawhi Leonard ended up injured. The only standout player is James Harden. It seems to be a transitional year for this franchise, which has bet on the solid defense of Kris Dunn and the talent of Kevin Porter Jr. in the offseason.

The Golden State Warriors are starting the year without one of their historic players, as Klay Thompson has decided to join the Dallas Mavericks alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The hope for this team again rests on Steph Curry, the best three-point shooter in league history, who won his first gold medal at the Olympics this summer.

Clippers vs. Warriors Betting Pick: Warriors

NBA Preseason Week 1: Detroit Pistons vs. Milwaukee Bucks

When?	Sunday, October 6 at 8:00 pm ET, 7:00 pm CST, 6:00 pm MT, and 5:00 pm PT
Where?	Little Caesars Arena
Where can I watch it?	NBA League Pass

The youth of the Detroit Pistons is the reason for hope for a better future. Cade Cunningham is coming off his best season, averaging 22.7 points in 62 games. The development of players like Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson will be something to watch. Additionally, the team has brought in a veteran like Tobias Harris to guide these young players.

The recent playoffs marked an inconsistent year for the Bucks, even though they improved their offense with a decisive player like Damian Lillard. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury hindered the campaign, but now Milwaukee has added interesting pieces like Gary Trent Jr., Delon Wright, and Taurean Prince.

Pistons vs. Bucks Betting Pick: Bucks