NBA Preseason Games Today: Tip-Offs, Lineups and Betting Angles (PH Time)

Looking for what NBA preseason games today? This page is designed for the every day routine - today's slate in Philippine time, the next game day, what to expect from the lineups and the betting angles on game day. The page updates each day of the game and the preseason for 2026 is from October 4 to October 17 (PH dates) for a total of 67 games. It is included in our extensive NBA preseason guide.

Most days during the preseason are slate and range from just a game to a 12-game finale, but the length of the slate depends on the short nature of the preseason. Look at the date stamp for each table for reassurance of what day the table is for. This edition was last verified on Oct 6, 2026, ~12:00 PM PHT.

Today's NBA Preseason Slate (PH Time)

By midday, seven games had concluded and the eighth, the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Sacramento Kings (10:00 AM PH) is still underway. See the results on our NBA preseason scores page.

Next game day: (PH)

Coming up: Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9 (PH)

The Rockets and Mavericks also get their first-ever NBA China Game in Macao at 8:00 PM PH on Friday, October 9, on NBA TV Philippines.

The times are in Philippine Standard Time. A US evening game would come in to Manila the following morning: Eastern 7 PM tip-off is 7 AM and Pacific 7 PM tip-off is 10 AM. Check out the full NBA preseason schedule for all games through Oct. 17 and the conversion guide.

The expected lineup and injury notes are provided

Lineups are the most crucial and least known aspect of any preseason contest. Coaches will frequently use the end of practice to make a decision about who will be on the floor, and there are often decisions made at the end of practice. This is what to do to keep up.

Where lineup news appears

• Official team and league social accounts, usually 30 minutes prior to tip-off.
• Coaches comments during the game.
• Put the players in question or out based on reporters and injury reports.
• Starting-lineup changeups, which may vary from the earlier day's lineup.

What 'rest' and 'minutes limit' mean

Players will not play if marked as resting. A player who has a minutes cap will play but just for a certain amount of time, typically 15-25 minutes based on the player and the phase of the preseason. Both of these labels have vastly different implications for fantasy and betting.

Today's Betting Angles

The pre-season game betting is primarily an information game. It is best to know who's playing as early as possible so you can have a better read on the line. These are guidelines and do not guarantee the angles listed below.

Totals and pace

Totals may be high if both teams play fast and deep rotations. Expect disappointment if the starters are playing only a few minutes and the reserves are trying to score but not getting a lot of shots. Check out pace clues from the teams' previous preseason games.

The amount of space between the spread and the bench

The second half of a preseason game is typically played according to the laws of the deeper team. When one side is much stronger than the other and is looking to put it forward then the marginal value could be to the weaker side once the starters have been taken off the floor.

Player props: take precautions

Minutes are the primary source of information for props. A player who is playing to a tight limit is not guaranteed a victory, since he might be able to be very effective in those minutes, but the 'over' is a gamble. If it doesn't feel safe, don't use the prop.

List today's featured OKBET NBA preseason markets or promotions (e.g., boosted odds, same-game parlays, free-bet offers). Keep wording compliant and include any terms or eligibility notes.

For a deeper look at how the markets work, see our NBA preseason odds guide.

Viewing NBA Preseason Games from the Philippines.

The amount of coverage is variable from year to year for the preseason changes. Selected games in NBA.com's Philippines listing are those that are also seen on NBA TV Philippines (shown above). Others aren't tagged, so make sure to check League Pass and your provider. Make sure to consider three before planning your game-based morning:

1. Is this game legal to play in the Philippines?3. Does this game allow for playing in the Philippines?
2. Whether a subscription or pass is required or not.
3. Will there be a replay available if not watching live.

If you can't watch, watch on a live scoreboard and review the NBA preseason scores recap later in the day.

Game-Day Checklist

Today's Preseason Slate Makes Sense to Check

The preseason is short and every game has more meaning than meets the eye. Whether it's a new-look lineup, rookie's first game, or a star's comeback, the first impression can make a lasting impact on the coming up to a few months. If you're not placing bets, just checking around today's games will make you feel like you've got a leg-up on what will be covered during the regular season.

If you are going to go ahead with a bet, bet small amounts. Variance can be high in the preseason and you don't want to make a bet on a line until you get solid information. PAGCOR provides a responsible gaming advisory to the players of the Philippines.

Why so much lineup shifting in the preseason?

Those who attend regular season games know they will be starting with the same lineup for months. It's a different situation in the preseason. When coaches refer to the exhibition schedule, they ask themselves who should start at point guard, who should play with the star, what the second unit should consist of, and more. Teachers vary assignments from one game to the next, changing lineup from game to game.

There's another health-related reason, too. Teams are careful with veterans coming off long seasons, and with players returning from injuries. Often a min or night off is a precaution, not a problem. Hence, late scratches in the preseason are less worrying than playoff scratches.

Plan Your Morning Around the Games

Most games come out in the morning, in Manila, so a little planning goes a long way. If you wish to watch live, make sure to set an alarm 15 minutes before the tip-off to follow lineup news. When you can't watch, the quarter-by-quarter box score is often sufficient to follow the story, and the highlights will be available shortly after the game.

Make Fantasy and Props Notes for Game Day

The preseason is a treasure trove of information on roles if you play fantasy basketball or follow player props. Pay particular attention to starting lineups, minutes and usage, and ignore statistics that came in garbage time. It is better on the first unit to be a player who scored 15 points in 12 minutes, than a player who scored 25 points against reserves in the fourth quarter.

Game-Day Mistakes to Avoid

• Betting before the lineups are confirmed.
• Stating that a star will play, based on his starting time in the last game.
• Not remembering the date change between the US and the Philippines.
• Using an individual quarter's performance as a trend.
• Take larger stakes than intended when a game appears to be an easy one.

Related NBA Preseason Games Today Pages

• Latest results and recaps: NBA preseason scores.
• Every upcoming tip-off: NBA preseason schedule.
• The complete guide: NBA preseason.

Frequently Asked Question