Who Playing Basketball Today: NBA Schedule & Matchups

By Sarah Miller · September 6, 2042

Find out who is playing basketball today with real-time NBA game schedules, team matchups, and player availability for October 2025. This guide covers all confirmed games, key players to watch, and where to stream live action.

Today's Basketball Games: Key Matchups and Teams Playing

On October 15, 2025, several NBA preseason games are scheduled as teams prepare for the regular season. The most notable matchups include the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets.

Confirmed Games Today

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors (San Francisco, CA)
Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets (Brooklyn, NY)
Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns (Phoenix, AZ)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors (Toronto, ON)
Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs (Austin, TX)

NBA Preseason Schedule Overview

The 2025 NBA preseason runs from October 9 to October 18, featuring 30 teams in interconference and intrastate matchups. These games help coaches evaluate rosters and finalize rotations ahead of Opening Night on October 24.

Purpose of Preseason Games

Assess rookie and new player integration
Test new offensive and defensive systems
Manage player minutes to prevent injury
Evaluate bench depth and two-way contract players

Home Team	Away Team	Location	Start Time (ET)	Venue
Golden State Warriors	Los Angeles Lakers	San Francisco, CA	7:00 PM	Chase Center
Brooklyn Nets	Boston Celtics	Brooklyn, NY	7:30 PM	Barclays Center
Phoenix Suns	Denver Nuggets	Phoenix, AZ	8:00 PM	Footprint Center
Toronto Raptors	Philadelphia 76ers	Toronto, ON	7:00 PM	Scotiabank Arena
San Antonio Spurs	Dallas Mavericks	Austin, TX	8:30 PM	Moody Center

Table data source:NBA Official Schedule, ESPN NBA

The table shows five NBA preseason games scheduled for October 15, 2025. Most games begin between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM Eastern Time, with venues spread across major U.S. and Canadian cities. Notably, the Lakers–Warriors and Celtics–Nets games feature high-profile rivalries likely to draw strong viewership despite the exhibition format.

Key Players to Watch Today

Even in preseason, star players often appear in limited roles. Fans should look out for:

LeBron James – Expected to play 15–20 minutes against the Warriors
Stephen Curry – Likely to start but exit early if score permits
Jayson Tatum – Returning from minor ankle tweak, probable for Celtics
Victor Wembanyama – Spurs rookie sensation drawing national attention
Scottie Barnes – Aiming to build momentum for Raptors' opening week

Injury Reports and Player Availability

Preseason injuries can impact roster decisions. As of October 15, 2025, the following players are listed as questionable or out:

Kyrie Irving (Mavericks) – Rest, not traveling to Austin
Joel Embiid (76ers) – Knee maintenance, expected back next week
Devin Booker (Suns) – Ankle soreness, day-to-day
Andrew Wiggins (Warriors) – Personal leave, status uncertain

Where to Watch Today’s Games

All preseason games are available through regional sports networks (RSNs) and national streaming platforms:

NBA League Pass – Offers live streaming (blackout restrictions apply)
ESPN+ – Carrying select matchups
Local RSNs – Bally Sports, NESN, YES Network, etc.
Free Streaming – NBA App and NBA.com (limited markets)

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Is Playing Basketball Today

Who is playing basketball today in the NBA?

On October 15, 2025, the NBA features five preseason games: Lakers at Warriors, Celtics at Nets, Nuggets at Suns, 76ers at Raptors, and Mavericks at Spurs.

Is there an NBA game tonight?

Yes, there are multiple NBA preseason games scheduled for tonight, including a marquee matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at 7:00 PM PT.

How can I find out which basketball teams are playing today?

You can check the official NBA website, ESPN’s NBA schedule, or use the NBA app to view real-time updates on today’s games, broadcast info, and player statuses.

Are NBA playoffs happening today?

No, the NBA playoffs are not occurring today. The 2025 playoffs will begin in April 2026. Currently, teams are in the preseason phase leading up to the regular season.

Will LeBron James play tonight?

LeBron James is expected to play in a limited capacity (15–20 minutes) during the Lakers’ preseason game against the Warriors on October 15, 2025, according to team reports.