NBA preseason serves a variety of functions for teams around the league, in addition to providing fresh NBA odds at a free sportsbook like Sportzino.
While the wins and losses may not stack up in the standings during the tune-up time, it provides basketball odds for fans to get closer to the action after a long offseason—and after all, what’s better than live sports odds after a summer without hoops?
With summer league, free agency, and the NBA Draft fully in the rearview mirror, the NBA preseason presents one final hurdle for teams and fans alike to clear before it’s finally time to tip off the regular season and begin the hunt for the 2025-26 Larry O’Brien Trophy.
What Is the NBA Preseason?
There are a variety of motivations within preseason from a player, management, and coaching perspective.
For players, it can be important whether you’re a superstar or a 15th man on the bench trying to win a job.
Superstars get their first live game experience to test out developments they have spent the summer crafting. Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards, for example, has reportedly been honing his mid-range and post-up game all summer long. Come Timberwolves preseason, expect Edwards to put it on display and continue to work out the kinks.
For the deep bench players, on the other hand, they are looking to show they can do everything that is asked of such a reserve player. That means fitting into exactly the role the coach needs, and typically, showing an ability to adequately space the floor offensively and not be a defensive liability or agent of confusion.
For management, usually its purpose is rooted in players like those deep bench reserves. While the first 12 or 13 players on a team’s roster have guaranteed contracts, the last couple of spots usually are up in the air and open for competition between players. It’s a last chance for management to make meaningful additions or changes to a roster they’ve spent the last several months crafting.
Finally, for coaches, it’s a chance to test out various rotations and see if there are two or three player combinations that work best. Can a team’s two big men play together efficiently on both ends? Can a combo guard survive as an offense’s initiator? Can a team’s best five get by with two non-shooting players out there together? These are the kind of questions an NBA head coach will hope to have answered during preseason.
Of course, the process-driven thinking is ultimately what matters across the board in preseason. Unlike during the regular season or playoffs, the wins and losses are irrelevant; the standings will reset ahead of the regular season, and everyone can start fresh at 0-0.
Why Preseason Predictions Matter
As the NBA regular season, in particular, has become an increasingly mixed bag for fans with players sitting out and tickets for an in-person experience becoming inaccessible, the preseason and its predictions matter. It’s a steady spot for fans to join the action at a free sportsbook like Sportzino.
Key Factors for NBA Preseason Predictions
Player Roster Updates & Trades
- Since we last saw these teams take the floor, a full transaction period—trades, free agency, the draft—has taken place. There’s a swath of roster changes that factor in, and acclimation is a massive part of a team’s preseason process.
Rookie & Draft Picks Impact
- Especially in the draft lottery, picks 1-14, and even beyond, teams enter the new season hoping their rookies can make an immediate impact in the rotation. Those that can crack the rotation are rare, but preseason will see those young players get every opportunity.
Preseason Team Chemistry
- Between roster changes and a coach trying out new rotations, there’s plenty of newness to a five man unit a coach rolls out. Preseason enables teams to develop chemistry, floor positioning and, crucially, timing.
Coaching Strategies & Adjustments
- Whether it’s because of a coaching change, new personnel, or simply year-to-year development, one thing you can always count on in preseason is strategic adjustments. It could be a changed play style, greater or lesser tempo, or simply brand-new rotations—expect plenty of adjustments in preseason.
Top NBA Teams to Watch in the Preseason
Los Angeles Lakers
Few teams will be as interesting to track throughout the preseason, and into the regular season, as the L.A. Lakers. It’s a brand new era, even though LeBron James remains from the previous one.
With the Lakers setting out on their first full season with Luka Doncic, we will see evolution. Head coach JJ Redick has already expressed a desire to play with greater pace, and that will be an emphasis during exhibitions.
From a personnel perspective, center Deandre Ayton has a massive opportunity to reset his career after it was derailed. Playing with Doncic, he simply must be able to screen, roll, and catch lobs at a good level, and he’ll thrive. We’ll see very early how much Ayton’s focus and discipline have grown.
Milwaukee Bucks
Almost immediately upon free agency opening, the Milwaukee Bucks stole the show. By waiving Damian Lillard and then signing free agent Myles Turner to a big-money deal, the Bucks pushed all of their remaining chips into the middle of the table. If it goes sideways, it’s almost certainly the end of the Giannis Antetokounmpo era in Milwaukee.
But if it works, they have a strong formula for success. The front court pairing of Giannis and Brook Lopez worked wonders for years in Milwaukee, and if it can replicate—and even improve—that formula with Giannis and Myles Turner, the Bucks could get a huge boost both offensively and defensively.
New York Knicks
Despite running it back with almost the exact same roster as last season, the New York Knicks are one of the most fascinating teams in this preseason. That’s because, while the personnel has remained, the man at the helm has changed.
Gone is the archaic Tom Thibodeau and his philosophies rooted in a bygone era and a hyperfixation on defense. In his place is Mike Brown, an offensive savant who could see the Knicks’ style of play flip on its head in his first season at Madison Square Garden.
Boston Celtics
Almost the inverse of the Knicks are the Boston Celtics, who have maintained their long-established off-floor infrastructure but torn their roster apart. With Jayson Tatum out as he rehabs a torn Achilles, Kristaps Porzingis dealt to Atlanta, and Jrue Holliday sent to Portland, these Celtics are brand new… and very unimpressive.
Most expect the 2025-26 season to be one of transition and largely irrelevance in Boston. But, with Jaylen Brown and head coach Joe Mazzulla in place, the remaining key figures will be loathed to punt on a full season.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Part of the brilliance and intimidation of the Oklahoma City Thunder is the long-term view. They are absurdly stocked with both young talent and draft picks, which in theory will enable them to sustain success throughout the primes of their core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
Many of those young players will be glued to the bench come the regular season, but preseason allows us to get a glimpse at the Thunder’s potential future. Who is ready to contribute to a contender right now? We’ll find out.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Continuity and the Minnesota Timberwolves have gone hand in hand in recent seasons, and that is again the case in 2025-26. But, there is one change, and it will be a fascinating one to watch in preseason.
With the departure of five-tool bench player Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Wolves are hoping to replace his wide-ranging impact with youngsters TJ Shannon, Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark.
All three of those young guards are going to get a ton of run during the preseason in an attempt to learn who is ready to contribute, and if two or even all three succeed, one of the NBA’s deepest teams will get even stronger.
Standout Players in the Preseason
Amen Thompson
Few players fascinate analysts and fans alike like Amen Thompson, the wildly athletic and relentless defensive stud for the Houston Rockets. His importance took on a whole new level over the last week, however, after Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL that will cause him to miss the entire season.
Houston’s expected to compete in 2025-26, and if Thompson can ascend as a primary ball handler and playmaker, they can—and he’ll find himself on a superstar trajectory.
Cooper Flagg
This June’s top pick, Cooper Flagg is an obvious choice but also deserving. Not only is he one of the most hyped American prospects in a generation, but he’s also going to get a chance to operate as the Dallas Mavericks’ lead ball handler with Kyrie Irving injured. Flagg projects as a tremendous two-way wing; if he can add playmaking to his skill set, suddenly we’re looking at a perennial MVP candidate.
Evan Mobley
Already an All-NBA player and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley is an established star. But he’s also always left you wanting a little more—a little more impactful and varied offense, a little more toughness defensively.
In a wide-open and weak Eastern Conference, the Cavs are one of two teams with a genuine chance of making an impact in the title race on their side of the bracket. But, after multiple flame-outs, it’s going to require Mobley continuing his ascension to an Anthony Davis-level of play.
Expert Insights & Historical Trends
Though preseason results are not indicative of regular season success, recent champions’ exhibitions are worth noting:
- In 2024-25, the Oklahoma City Thunder went 4-1.
- In 2023-24, the Boston Celtics went 4-1.
- In 2022-23, the Denver Nuggets went 3-2.
- In 2021-22, the Golden State Warriors went 5-0.
- In 2020-21, the Milwaukee Bucks went 0-3.
Our NBA Preseason Prediction for 2025
In looking at the recent historical trends of future champions’ preseason performance, one prediction stands out above all else: the Minnesota Timberwolves will win at least four preseason games.
Led by rising global superstar Anthony Edwards—a potential MVP this season—the Wolves are right in the mix of NBA contention. After back to back Western Conference Finals appearances, they’re primed to breakthrough as they continue to ascend with the individual talents of Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid.
Ahead of a title-caliber season in 2025-26, expect the Wolves to get out of the blocks hot in preseason and win four or five of their preseason contests.
Conclusion
Ready to make picks on the NBA preseason slate, ahead of tip-off around the Association?
Make sure to head over to Sportzino.com, where you can find every NBA preseason game on the schedule this year, and so much more!
FAQs About NBA Preseason Predictions
How long is the NBA preseason?
The NBA preseason stretches across two weeks, with tip off on Octoner 2 and then wrapping up on October 17.
Do preseason wins matter?
Other than for good feelings and momentum ahead of the regular season, no. Preseason wins don’t count for anything once the regular season begins.
Which rookies should we watch this preseason?
Most prominently, first overall pick Cooper Flagg. The wing is going to have chances to be a lead ball handler, and his success could represent a massive development. Beyond Flagg, players like Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, and Cedric Coward will attract plenty of attention.
