Photo via Yahoo Sports

NBA preseason tips off with Heat vs Raptors: 2026-27 key dates, schedule

The 2026-27 NBA preseason is set to kick off on Saturday, October 3, with an exhibition match in Quebec City between the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors. This opening contest could mark the debut of Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Heat uniform and the return of Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors following major offseason trades.

Exhibition games continue the following day with the Golden State Warriors facing the Los Angeles Clippers in Honolulu and the Utah Jazz meeting the Denver Nuggets in Boulder, Colorado, before the slate wraps up on October 16. The regular season gets underway on Tuesday, October 20, featuring three matchups including the Boston Celtics against the Detroit Pistons, the Philadelphia 76ers visiting the New York Knicks, and a Western Conference Finals rematch between the Thunder and the Spurs.

Additionally, the Emirates NBA Cup group play runs from October 30 to November 27, culminating in a December 11 final at Hinkle Fieldhouse, while the trade deadline is scheduled for February 11 and the All-Star break begins on February 19.

Up nextNBA· 2h ago

Heat to host Vice City night to promote 'GTA 6' and Giannis game vs Bucks