NBA Camps Open: Rockets Go First as Champions Knicks Prepare to Defend Title and Mavericks-Rockets Macao Games Near
Houston's camp is already running, and most teams start on 29 September. The Macao China Games on 9–11 October bring the NBA to Asia.
The NBA's 2026-27 season is starting to take shape. Houston were the first team back in the gym this week, and the rest of the league reports over the next few days.
Rockets first, and Durant is happy
The Rockets held their media day on Tuesday, 22 September, and started training camp on Wednesday. General manager Rafael Stone used media day to address Kevin Durant's future after a summer of trade talk.
"His fit's been really good. It feels like he's really happy to be here," Stone said, according to Yahoo Sports. The report adds that Durant is interested in staying in Houston beyond his current contract.
The return of Fred VanVleet from injury should also help Durant in his second season with the team.
When everyone else reports
According to Bleacher Report:
- Sat 26 Sept: Dallas Mavericks
- Mon 28 Sept: Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic
- Tue 29 Sept: 23 teams
- Wed 30 Sept: Cleveland Cavaliers
Most teams hold media day on 28 September, and the NBA says camps open league-wide on 29 September.
Knicks defend, and the East has changed
The New York Knicks start the season as champions after beating the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the 2026 NBA Finals. It was their first title since 1973.
Several Eastern Conference rivals have made major moves:
- Philadelphia 76ers: added Jaylen Brown and LeBron James alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid
- Miami Heat: traded for Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Toronto Raptors: have Kawhi Leonard back, according to Bleacher Report
- Cleveland Cavaliers: added Peyton Watson
In the West, Bleacher Report names the Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder as joint favourites. San Antonio beat OKC in seven games in last season's Western Conference Finals. Denver, Minnesota, the Lakers and Golden State are the main challengers.
Coming to Asia: Macao in October
The biggest preseason event for Malaysian fans is close to home. The NBA China Games 2026 feature the Dallas Mavericks against the Houston Rockets in Macao from 9 to 11 October. It is the closest the NBA comes to Southeast Asia this preseason.
Other key dates (NBA.com):
- 3 Oct: Preseason starts, including Raptors vs Heat in Quebec City
- 20 Oct: Regular season starts
- 30 Oct – 11 Dec: Emirates NBA Cup
- 14 & 17 Jan 2027: Spurs vs Pelicans in Paris and Manchester
Key takeaways
- Houston opened camp on 23 September. Most teams begin on 29 September.
- Rockets GM Rafael Stone says Kevin Durant is happy in Houston.
- The champion Knicks face stronger Eastern rivals in Philadelphia and Miami.
- The Mavericks and Rockets play in Macao from 9 to 11 October, and the season starts on 20 October.
FAQ
When does the 2026-27 NBA regular season start? On 20 October 2026.
Who won the 2026 NBA title? The New York Knicks, who beat the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the Finals.
Is there an NBA game in Asia this preseason? Yes. The Mavericks and Rockets play in Macao from 9 to 11 October.
Sources: NBA.com, Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report, ESPN