ESPN today announced its 2026 NBA preseason game schedule, featuring five games across ESPN and ESPN2 beginning on Thursday, October 8.
Coverage tips off on ESPN2 at 10:30 p.m. ET as the Sacramento Kings visit the Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN’s preseason coverage continues Saturday, October 10, at 10:30 p.m. with the Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs facing the Phoenix Suns.
On Sunday, October 11, ESPN presents a doubleheader beginning at 6:30 p.m. as the Orlando Magic visit the Cleveland Cavaliers. Following that matchup, the Chicago Bulls visit the Denver Nuggets at 9 p.m.
ESPN’s preseason slate concludes on Friday, October 16, at 10:30 p.m. as the Denver Nuggets visit the Los Angeles Lakers.
ESPN NBA preseason schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Game | Where to Watch |
| Thu., Oct. 8 | 10:30 p.m. | Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers | ESPN2 |
| Sat., Oct. 10 | 10:30 p.m. | San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns | ESPN2 |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | ESPN |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | 9 p.m. | Chicago Bulls vs. Denver Nuggets | ESPN |
| Fri., Oct. 16 | 10:30 p.m. | Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers | ESPN |
All ESPN NBA preseason games will also be available on the ESPN App.
ESPN’s coverage of the 2026-27 NBA regular season begins Wednesday, October 21. To view ESPN and ABC’s full 2026-27 NBA regular season game schedule, visit ESPNPressRoom.com.