The NBA preseason has officially begun, and the opening exhibition games are already generating storylines that will shape the 2026-27 regular season. From the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors opening the preseason schedule in Quebec City, to the Phoenix Suns getting their first game look at rookie center Khaman Maluach, the opening week of preseason action delivered plenty of takeaways for fans and analysts alike.
Heat vs Raptors: Preseason Opens in Quebec City
The NBA preseason opened on Saturday, October 3 with the Miami Heat facing the Toronto Raptors in Quebec City — an international showcase that highlights the league continued commitment to growing the game beyond its traditional markets.
| Team | Preseason Focus | Key Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Heat | Roster integration, conditioning | New additions fitting into Heat culture |
| Toronto Raptors | Youth development | Building around young core in international showcase |
For the Raptors, the Quebec City game is part of a broader effort to expand the NBA footprint in Canada beyond the Toronto market. The Heat, meanwhile, used the game to begin the process of integrating offseason additions into their defensive-oriented system.
With Mark Williams sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to torn labrum surgery, the Phoenix Suns opened preseason with rookie Khaman Maluach as the focal point of their center rotation. The 7-footer from Duke showed flashes of the rim-protecting presence that made him a first-round pick.
- **Defensive presence** — Maluach blocked shots and altered others, showcasing the instincts that made him one of the top defensive prospects in the draft.
- **Offensive rawness** — As expected, the offensive polish is still developing. The Suns are working with him on finishing through contact and reading defensive coverages.
- **Foul discipline** — The biggest question mark for Maluach entering the season was his foul rate. Preseason Week 1 showed improvement but also moments where NBA physicality caught him off guard.
The Suns also gave minutes to Oso Ighodaro at center, and the contrast in skill sets was apparent. Maluach offers size and rim protection; Ighodaro offers versatility and passing. The Suns may use both depending on matchups during the regular season.
### 1. Rookies Are Making Immediate Impressions
- **Khaman Maluach** (Suns) — Defensive impact from day one
- **Rob Dillingham** (Hornets) — Acquired from the Bulls, Dillingham showed the playmaking ability that made him a coveted prospect
- **Other first-round picks** — Multiple rookies across the league saw meaningful preseason minutes
### 2. Training Camp International Trend Continues
### 3. Rotation Battles Are Already Taking Shape
| Position Battle | Team | Competitors | Early Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Center | Phoenix Suns | Maluach vs Ighodaro | Maluach (defensive upside) |
| Backup Point Guard | Charlotte Hornets | Dillingham vs incumbents | Dillingham (acquired to play) |
| Final Roster Spots | Los Angeles Lakers | Multiple candidates | Training camp and preseason will decide |
### 4. Veterans Shaking Off Rust
Preseason Schedule: What Coming Next
The preseason continues through October 16, with key dates to circle:
- **October 11** — Bucks vs Hornets (first extended look at Dillingham in Charlotte)
- **October 16** — Final preseason games before opening night rosters are set
The regular season opens on October 22, giving teams roughly two more weeks to finalize rotations, make roster cuts, and build chemistry.
What to Monitor in Preseason Week 2
As the preseason schedule continues, the biggest storylines to watch are:
- **Dillingham fit in Charlotte** — How quickly does the new Hornets point guard build chemistry with his teammates?
- **Lakers roster crunch** — GM Rob Pelinka confirmed that training camp and preseason will determine roster cuts. The competition intensifies.
- **Thunder title defense** — Oklahoma City integration of offseason additions will be the most watched storyline in the Western Conference.
The 2026-27 NBA season has the potential to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, and preseason is the first chapter of a seven-month story.
