Spurs' preseason schedule release includes history-making debut game

The quest for world domination continues with the Spurs' newly released preseason schedule. The Guangzhou Loong Lions are up first for the Silver and Black on October 6 in San Antonio at 7:00 pm. This marks the first time the team will play a team from China, but it's not surprising, with a French alien on the roster who likes to travel the world.

When this organization, in particular, added Victor Wembanyama, it was predictable that they would leverage his global popularity to the benefit of the franchise and the NBA as a whole. It's no different than the two games the guys played in France last season. They're reaching for the same goal: increasing the popularity of the NBA around the world.

The Loong Lions weren't a very good team last season in the Chinese Basketball Association, so San Antonio didn't set themselves up against a top-tier opponent. That's okay, though. There will be plenty of time to fight with the tough teams the NBA puts in the Spurs' path. But first, they'll get in their global influence bag before finishing the preseason against more familiar opponents.

Spurs' preseason gives them a perfect lead into the 2025-26 season

Not everyone knows this, but the preseason is the only time when NBA teams have the privilege of picking their opponents and schedule. So, if you've ever wondered why it seems like San Antonio plays the Miami Heat every single year in the exhibition games, it's because they're making that decision intentionally.

The two organizations have immense respect for each other, so it makes sense that they'd work together often. As two of the most prestigious franchises in the league, it's a great opportunity to get honest work done with strong evaluations while maintaining relationships. The Heat are always going after the gold, so they'll take the games seriously enough without overdoing it.

Last season, they played against Utah, too, but playing the Pacers twice is a change. Orlando and OKC split those games at the end of the 2024-25 preseason schedule. There won't be a Tyrese Haliburton when the Spurs stand on the hardwood across from last seasons' Eastern Conference finalist, and Myles Turner is gone, but Rick Carlisle is still one of the best coaches in the league.

He proved that last season, and he's going to throw some things at Mitch Johnson that will be beneficial to the new head coach to make him think. After this slate of exhibition games, the team should hit the ground running. Now that we know that De'Aaron Fox's injury is not serious, everyone should be healthy heading into the year and ready to announce the Spurs' arrival.