NBA Stars Returned for Preseason Action
The 2026-27 NBA preseason featured major player returns ahead of the league's official start.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Basketball
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High-profile players including LeBron James, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving participated in NBA preseason games this week. These matches served as final preparations before the 2026-27 regular season begins.
Why it matters
The return of these star players is critical for teams looking to finalize their rotations and integrate roster changes before official standings begin counting. These games provide necessary conditioning and rhythm for athletes coming off injuries or long absences.
Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Chicago Bulls. Additional standout performances included James Harden with 24 points, Naz Reid with 16 points, and Brandon Miller with 18 points.
The players
LeBron James
The veteran forward debuted for the Philadelphia 76ers during the preseason games.
Tyrese Haliburton
The point guard returned to active play after sustaining an Achilles injury during the 2025 Finals.
Nikola Jokic
The Denver Nuggets center recorded a triple-double in his team's victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Damian Lillard
The veteran guard returned to the Portland Trail Blazers roster for the new preseason cycle.
Kyrie Irving
The guard returned to the court for the Dallas Mavericks following a 19-month absence.
The details
The preseason slate included diverse venues, ranging from domestic arenas to an international exhibition held in Macao. Teams are using these final days to acclimate players like Tyrese Haliburton, who returned to play for the first time since tearing his Achilles in the 2025 Finals, and Kyrie Irving, who ended a 19-month absence.
Timeline
The 2025 Finals marked the injury of Tyrese Haliburton.
October 20, 2026, is the scheduled start of the NBA regular season.
October 25, 2026, features the Pistons facing the Sixers.
October 31, 2026, features the Wolves facing the Spurs.
November 5, 2026, features the Heat facing the Warriors.
Season Trajectory
These preseason performances set the stage for a highly competitive 2026-27 campaign following the 2025 Finals injury of Tyrese Haliburton. The return of league icons significantly alters the projected playoff picture and shift in power dynamics across both conferences.
Nikola Jokic's triple-double performance provides immediate confirmation of his continued value for fantasy rosters and season-long output. Fans should track the integration of LeBron James into the 76ers lineup, as his performance during these games signals potential rotation shifts.
The takeaway
The preseason serves as a critical bridge for star players to regain form after long absences or significant injuries. Observing how these athletes perform in exhibition matches provides the best indicator of their health and readiness for the grueling 82-game schedule.
What happens next
The 2026-27 NBA regular season is scheduled to tip off with an NBC/Peacock tripleheader on October 20, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming schedule, visit the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBA.
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