As we gear up for the 2021 NBA preseason, I can’t help but feel that familiar buzz of anticipation. This year’s schedule is packed with intriguing matchups that promise to set the tone for what could be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. From the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers facing off against the Brooklyn Nets to the Golden State Warriors testing their revamped roster, there’s plenty to look forward to. But before we dive into the NBA action, I want to draw your attention to something happening on the other side of the basketball world—the PBA Philippine Cup. It’s fascinating how leagues across the globe mirror the intensity and drama we see in the NBA, and this weekend’s clash between Magnolia and Rain or Shine is a perfect example. Magnolia is on the verge of clinching a quarterfinal berth with another win, and as someone who’s followed international basketball for years, I can tell you that games like these often reveal the heart and soul of the sport.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the 2021 NBA preseason schedule. It kicks off on December 12, 2021, with a total of 49 games scheduled over a compact period, wrapping up by December 19. That’s a tight window, but it’s designed to help teams shake off the rust after the shortest offseason in league history—just 71 days for some squads. I’ve always believed the preseason is where champions are quietly forged; it’s not just about wins and losses, but about chemistry and experimentation. For instance, the Lakers vs. Clippers matchup on December 11 is one I’ve circled on my calendar. Having covered the NBA for over a decade, I’ve seen how these intracity rivalries can set a psychological tone for the entire season. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, are looking to defend their title, while the Clippers, with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, are hungry for redemption after last year’s playoff collapse. Personally, I’m leaning toward the Lakers pulling off a narrow win here, maybe by 5-7 points, because their veteran experience tends to shine in high-pressure moments, even in preseason.
Another key matchup that has me excited is the December 14 game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics. The Nets, with their Big Three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, are offensive juggernauts, but their defense has been a question mark. I recall analyzing their preseason stats from previous years, and they often average around 115 points per game in these exhibitions, though I’d estimate their defensive rating might hover near 110—not ideal, but fixable. On the other side, the Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, have the youth and athleticism to push the pace. From my perspective, this game could be a shootout, with the Nets edging it out by a slim margin, say 118-115. Why? Because Durant’s scoring efficiency in preseason games is historically off the charts; he’s shot over 55% from the field in past years, and that kind of firepower is hard to contain.
But let’s not forget the international parallels, like the PBA Philippine Cup game I mentioned earlier. Magnolia’s showdown with Rain or Shine on Sunday at the Ynares Center II in Montalban, Rizal, is a prime example of how preseason-like intensity translates globally. Magnolia needs just one more win to secure that quarterfinal spot, and having watched similar scenarios unfold in the NBA, I’d say momentum here is everything. If they pull it off, it could mirror how NBA teams like the Phoenix Suns used last year’s preseason to build confidence that carried into the regular season. In fact, I’d wager Magnolia wins by at least 8 points, given their recent form and the pressure-cooker environment. It’s these kinds of stories that remind me why I love basketball—it’s a universal language of grit and strategy.
Shifting back to the NBA, the December 16 matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets is another must-watch. Stephen Curry is back to full health, and with Klay Thompson sidelined, this preseason will be crucial for integrating new pieces like rookie Jonathan Kuminga. I’ve always been a bit biased toward the Warriors; their ball movement and three-point barrage are a joy to watch. Statistically, they led the league in preseason three-point attempts last year with around 45 per game, and I suspect they’ll top that this time. The Nuggets, with Nikola Jokic, will test their interior defense, but I predict the Warriors win by double digits, say 112-100, because Curry’s gravity alone opens up so many opportunities. It’s these individual battles that often hint at larger trends—like how Jokic’s MVP-caliber play might force Golden State to adjust their defensive schemes early on.
As we approach the conclusion of the preseason on December 19, with games like the Milwaukee Bucks facing the Dallas Mavericks, it’s clear that this period is more than just a warm-up. It’s a litmus test for roster depth and coaching strategies. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić going head-to-head will be a spectacle, and based on my observations, the Bucks might have a slight edge due to their championship pedigree. I’d estimate a final score around 105-101 in their favor. Reflecting on all this, the 2021 NBA preseason isn’t just a series of games; it’s a narrative in the making, much like the PBA clash where Magnolia’s quest for a quarterfinal spot echoes the same hunger we see in NBA camps. So, as a fan and analyst, I’m thrilled to see how these storylines unfold, and I encourage you to tune in—because in basketball, every game, whether preseason or playoffs, writes its own unforgettable chapter.