Preseason basketball doesn't get the hype of opening night, and honestly? That's exactly why it's worth your attention. No pressure, no standings on the line, just two rosters figuring out who they are in real time — and fans getting a courtside look at the process.
Boston and Philly, Twice Over
The 76ers and Celtics are running it back this October, home and away. First stop is Boston, where TD Garden hosts 76ers at Celtics on October 10th, tickets from $196. Then the series flips a week later when Celtics at 76ers lands in Philadelphia on October 16th, from $321. Two different buildings, two different crowds, same storyline — coaches sorting rotations before anything counts. If you've ever wanted to see a new signing's first minutes in a new jersey without fighting for a $400 lower-bowl seat, this is the window.
Lakers-Warriors, the Preseason Edition You Didn't Know You Wanted
Out west, the Lakers and Warriors are squaring off twice, and the venues tell their own story. First it's Lakers at Warriors in San Francisco on October 6th at Chase Center, from $158. Then the rematch jumps to a neutral floor — Warriors at Lakers in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena on October 13th, from $127. A Lakers-Warriors game, in Vegas, for under $130 to start? That's the kind of night that usually costs double once the games actually matter.
Why Preseason Deserves More Respect
There's a real case for preseason basketball beyond the price tag. Rotations are wide open. Bench guys get real minutes and real chances to make a case for themselves. Coaches experiment with lineups you'll never see again once the games count. And the arenas — while still buzzing — feel a notch more relaxed, which makes them great for first-timers, families, or anyone who wants to watch basketball without decoding playoff-intensity body language from every fan around them.
It's also a low-stakes way to scout a team before you commit to a regular-season splurge. See how the frontcourt looks, see who's getting crunch-time reps, and then decide where your real ticket budget goes come November and December.
Plan the Rest of Your Week Around It
Both NBA cities on this list are already buzzing with other stuff worth stacking into a trip. Philadelphia is one of the busiest ticket markets going right now, so a preseason game can anchor a weekend that also includes a show or a second event nearby — browse what's live on the sports calendar and build out from there. Vegas, meanwhile, never needs an excuse to turn one game into a full weekend.
If you're new to buying tickets for preseason games specifically, the big thing to know is that pricing behaves differently than regular season — it tends to be friendlier, and inventory sits looser closer to the date since demand is lower overall. That's good news if you're flexible and want to grab a seat without obsessively refreshing.
Preseason isn't the main event. But it's the appetizer that tells you what the entrée is going to taste like — and this October, with both coasts offering home-and-home previews, it's one of the easier, friendlier ways to get back into an arena before the real grind begins.
