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NBA Preseason 2026: Lillard and Haliburton Return as New Season Takes Shape
The NBA preseason 2026 is delivering must-watch drama as two of basketball's most beloved comeback stars finally return to the hardwood. Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton made their long-awaited debuts on Wednesday night, setting the tone for what promises to be one of the most compelling regular seasons in recent memory. From the bright lights of Portland's Moda Center to the electric atmosphere of Iowa State's Hilton Coliseum, the night belonged to resilience, determination, and the pure joy of watching elite players back in their element.
Dame's Back: Lillard Shines in Portland Return Alongside Ja Morant
After 528 days away from the court following a devastating torn Achilles injury, Damian Lillard made his triumphant return to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, October 8. The moment fans had been waiting for arrived in the very first possession — a deep three-pointer that brought Moda Center to its feet. Lillard, the Blazers' all-time leading scorer, finished with 15 points in 19 efficient minutes, looking composed and confident despite the lengthy layoff.
Portland's 123–118 preseason victory over the Golden State Warriors was made even sweeter by the debut of Ja Morant, who joined the Blazers this offseason. Morant posted 8 points and 5 assists in his first game in a Blazers uniform, giving Portland fans a glimpse of a dynamic backcourt duo. Deni Avdija led all scorers with a game-high 23 points, while Warriors guard Miles Kelly impressed for Golden State with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The Dame-and-Ja combination is one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2026–27 season. If Wednesday night's performance is any indication, Portland could be a legitimate Western Conference surprise when the regular season tips off on October 20.
Tyrese Haliburton's Emotional Homecoming at Iowa State
If Dame's return was a highlight reel, Tyrese Haliburton's comeback was a full cinematic experience. The Indiana Pacers point guard tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals — perhaps the cruelest injury timing imaginable. Sixteen months later, he walked back onto Iowa State's Hilton Coliseum floor, where he once dazzled college fans before becoming a top NBA prospect.
Haliburton swapped his usual No. 0 for the No. 22 he wore in college as a tribute to his alma mater. When introduced before tipoff, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. "It's been 472 days since I played a game of basketball. I wouldn't want to do it anywhere else but my second home," he said. He then scored the Pacers' first points of the night, sending Hilton Coliseum into pure euphoria.
Haliburton finished with 7 points, 6 assists, and 2 blocks in 16 first-half minutes as Indiana defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 123–112. Anthony Edwards paced Minnesota with 19 points and four threes, while LaMelo Ball contributed 14 points and 7 assists. A fully healthy Haliburton running the show is what the Pacers need to make a serious Eastern Conference push.
NBA China Games 2026: Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg, and Kevin Durant Take Center Stage
While fans stateside buzzed over the comeback stories, the NBA's global ambitions were on full display in Macao, China. The Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks have traveled more than 8,000 miles from Texas to participate in the 2026 NBA China Games, with two games at The Venetian Arena — Friday at 8 a.m. ET and Sunday at 6 a.m. ET, both on NBA TV.
Dallas brings Cooper Flagg, the reigning Kia Rookie of the Year, alongside 9-time All-Star Kyrie Irving returning from a torn ACL. Irving has confirmed he expects to play in at least one of the China Games — a massive moment for the franchise's global fanbase. Cooper Flagg had a historic rookie season and is now being counted upon to help carry the Mavericks back to the playoffs for the first time since their 2024 Finals run.
Houston counters with 16-time All-Star Kevin Durant, who has become a mentor to a young Rockets core led by Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. The Rockets are eager to break through after back-to-back first-round exits. Durant spent time this week connecting with fans throughout Macao, reminding the world why the NBA's global appeal has never been stronger.
SGA Flawless in Debut, Rookie Wave Continues to Impress
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a perfect preseason debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder, going flawless 5-for-5 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line for 17 points, 5 assists, and 3 threes. Milwaukee still edged OKC 128–126 thanks to Myles Turner (19 pts) and Kel'el Ware (18 pts, 12 reb), but SGA's efficiency is a reminder of why he shattered Wilt Chamberlain's record for consecutive 20-point games last season and why he remains one of the top scoring title candidates in the league.
Oklahoma City rookies Aday Mara (22 pts, a perfect 10-for-10 from the field) and Bennett Stirtz (20 pts, four threes) have dazzled for two straight nights, hinting at a loaded Thunder pipeline. In other Wednesday action, Chicago's No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson scored 15 points in his debut as the Bulls topped Phoenix 124–117. Orlando's Paolo Banchero (11 pts, 5 ast) helped the Magic beat Memphis 122–118, with Grizzlies rookie Cameron Boozer — the No. 3 overall pick — continuing to impress in a losing effort.
What Fans Should Watch Next as the Season Countdown Hits 12 Days
Thursday brings six more NBA preseason games loaded with storylines. The headliner: the Washington Wizards visiting the defending champion New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV, where No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa is expected to potentially make his NBA debut. Considered one of the most complete young players to enter the league in years, Dybantsa has drawn rave reviews from veterans and coaches alike — Anthony Davis called him "very special" at Media Day.
Sacramento's Darius Acuff Jr. — who delivered 19 points against Luka Doncic in his preseason debut — faces the Lakers again on ESPN2 at 10:30 p.m. ET. LeBron James could also make his first appearance in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform when Philly visits the Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 p.m. ET on League Pass. The West champion San Antonio Spurs host the Atlanta Hawks at 8 ET, and Celtics-Cavaliers and Pelicans-Heat round out a loaded slate.
With just 12 days until the 2026–27 NBA regular season opens on October 20 with an NBC/Peacock tripleheader, every preseason game now counts. Roster decisions, injury returns, and chemistry-building are happening in real time. Monitor Kyrie Irving's participation in Macao, watch for Haliburton's load management in Indiana, and keep tabs on whether Dame and Ja in Portland can become the West's biggest surprise team.
The 2026–27 NBA Season Is Already Unmissable
From comeback kings to electric rookies, from the streets of Macao to the hardwood of Iowa State, the NBA preseason 2026 is already delivering must-see storylines every single night. Dame Lillard's first three-pointer after 528 days on the shelf. Tyrese Haliburton's tears in front of his college crowd. Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg gearing up to carry Dallas back to relevance. AJ Dybantsa on the cusp of his first NBA minutes. This league has never been richer in talent, narrative, or pure basketball entertainment.
Stay locked in with Remix Sports Media for every update, recap, and deep analysis as we count down to October 20 and the start of another unforgettable NBA regular season. This is your sport. This is your season.
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This content was generated by AI.
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