It’s that time of the year again when fans of basketball can barely hide their excitement. The reason? The world's best basketball league, i.e., the NBA, is about to start.

As is usual before the start of the regular season, teams face each other in preseason games to find their balance and get in top shape. So we decided to take a detailed preview of three exciting pre-season games: Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers.

We have put together a well-detailed article for you with info on star players’ performances, team form, key players, venues, the last five matchups between these teams, three players from each team to watch out for, and the names of the coaches. Let’s dive in:

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Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics (10/4 Fri)

Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

NBA 2024 Champions the Boston Celtics will face the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in a preseason game.

The Boston Celtics’ squad is expected to be the same, though they will be missing the services of power forward Kristaps Porzingis due to an ankle injury. Much will be expected from their key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. JD Davidson, Jaden Springer, and Jordan Walsh are some of the young guns to watch out for.

The Denver Nuggets have added point guard Russell Westbrook to their already star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Nikola Jokic. Jokic, the reigning MVP, will be the player to watch out for, as he will be the focus of the Nuggets' offense along with Aaron Gordon. These preseason games in Abu Dhabi will also provide an opportunity for younger players like Julian Strawther and Christian Braun.

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The last 5 matches between the teams:

March 7, 2024: Nuggets 115-109 Celtics

January 19, 2024: Celtics 100-102 Nuggets

January 1, 2023: Nuggets 123-111 Celtics

November 11, 2022: Celtics 131-112 Nuggets

March 20, 2022: Celtics 124-104 Nuggets

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Team Form:

Celtics: W, L, W, W, W

Nuggets: L, L, W, W, W

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Players to Watch:

Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White

Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr.

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Coaches:

Celtics: Joe Mazzulla

Nuggets: Michael Malone

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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers (10/4 Fri)

Venue: Acrisure Arena, Los Angeles

Los Angeles Lakers will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a preseason game at the Acrisure Arena in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Lakers, led by the inspirational LeBron James, would be looking for a fresh start after a disappointing season where they failed to make it to the NBA Finals. LeBron James will be the main focus, as the Lakers would be without Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt, both out with injuries. This will give chances to young stars like Max Christie, Maxwell Lewis, and Bronny James.

The Western Conference Finalists from last year, the Minnesota Timberwolves, will be looking to give a tough fight to the Los Angeles Lakes. The shocking trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks will surely hamper their season, as he was their star performer for the last few seasons. This means that key players like Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert will have to step up to fill the boots left by Towns. Some young players in action for the Timberwolves include Daishen Nix, Leonard Miller, and Josh Minott.

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The last 5 matches between the teams:

April 7, 2024: Timberwolves 127-117 Lakers

March 10, 2024: Lakers 120-109 Timberwolves

December 30, 2023: Timberwolves 108-106 Lakers

December 21, 2023: Timberwolves 118-111 Lakers

April 11, 2023: Lakers 108-102 Timberwolves

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Team Form:

Lakers: L, W, L, L, L

Timberwolves: L, W, L, L, L

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Players to Watch:

Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves

Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert

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Coaches:

Lakers: JJ Redick

Timberwolves: Chris Finch

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Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers (10/5 Sat)

Venue: Stan Sheriff Center, Honolulu, Hawaii

Golden State Warriors will take on the LA Clippers on 5th October at the Stan Sheriff Center, Hawaii.

The Golden State Warriors are one of the most popular and followed teams in the NBA. They had an awful 2023–24 season where they struggled for form, failing to reach even the playoffs. A lot is expected from Coach Kerr and sharp shooter Curry, who recently won gold at the Paris Olympics. The positive news for the Warriors is that their roster is injury-free. They have some star future prospects in the form of Jonathan Kuminga, Gui Santos, and Reece Beekman.

Los Angeles Clippers will be hoping for a strong showing from the GS Warriors. One of the Clippers' star performers, Paul George, left the team to move to the Philadelphia 76ers. Adding to their misery will be the news that their Talisman, Kawhi Leonard, will not play due to an injury. As a result, some of the burden will lie on 19-year-olds Can Christie and Trentyn Flowers.

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The last 5 matches between the teams:

December 14, 2023: Clippers 121-113 Warriors

March 15, 2023: Clippers 134-126 Warriors

February 14, 2023: Clippers 119-104 Warriors

January 2, 2023: Warriors 115-113 Clippers

November 23, 2022: Clippers 124-107 Warriors

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Team Form:

Warriors: L, W, L, W, W

Clippers: L, L, W, L, L

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Players to Watch:

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green

Los Angeles Clippers: James Harden, Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac

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Coaches:

Warriors: Steve Kerr

Clippers: Tyronn Lue

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Conclusion

These preseason games are not an indicator of how teams will perform in the regular season, but nevertheless, teams find it important to fine-tune their strategies and work out new styles of play. As always, most of the attention will be on the big teams like the LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors, with stars like Lebron James and Steph Curry looking to sharpen their form and fitness. These 3 games promise to be full of exciting plays, 3-pointers, dunks, and great defense.

Which game are you most looking for? Comment on Daily Fantasy Facebook and let us know.

Check out our Daily Fantasy blog for comprehensive game previews and strategic tips.

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