Wizards Announce 2025-26 NBA Preseason Schedule

Fri, Aug 15, 2025
by CapperTek

The Washington Wizards have publicly announced their preseason schedule for the 2025-26 season. The schedule sets the stage for a warm-up before the season actually starts. The slate features just three games. One of these will take place at home.

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Preseason Matchups Overview

The preseason schedule is short and simple, featuring only three games and all of them within the Eastern Conference. These are:

October 12 – vs. Toronto Raptors (Capital One Arena)
October 13 – at New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden)
October 16 – at Detroit Pistons (Little Caesars Arena)

Only the first game will be played at home, and experts such as those from CCN claim that there's still a reason to consider home court advantage when making wagers. The back-to-back games in New York and Detroit will test the team's stamina, as the season itself will be very demanding in this regard.

Importance of Matchups

Toronto Raptors – October 12 (Home)

The first game in the preseason is about more than just facing the Raptors; it's also about celebrating the return of basketball to Chinatown. It's a chance for fans to see this season's lineup live for the first time.

It will also test the Wizards against one of the teams that has one of the best interior units in the League. The first-round pick Tre Johnson and second-year big man Alex Sarr will have the eyes on them more than any other players.

New York Knicks – October 13 (Away)

Just one night later, the Wizards will face the Knicks with their highly improved team. The last time the two teams met, the Knicks swept through the Wizards' defense, and therefore, this game will be a good way to measure how much they've improved.

Playing in Madison Square Garden also creates a certain pressure, especially for novice players, even though it's in the preseason. It's also a test for the younger members of the Wizards team.

Detroit Pistons – October 16 (Away)

The final game of the preseason will be against the Detroit Pistons, a team known for its physical ability and toughness. It will push the Wizards, especially when it comes to their defense. The game will reveal how ready the team is and how the communication will unfold among the players.

Broader Context

The Preseason will start on October 2nd in Abu Dhabi and across a few other neutral locations. Washington starts their preseason at the back half of the calendar. This means they are able to spend more time at the training camp, which can be an advantage.

The regular season will start on October 21st, giving the Wizards five days between the preseason and the regular season. The team can therefore focus on creating a familiar style of play and testing the squad's readiness.

Implications for Team Development

The Young Core

The preseason is always especially important for rookies, as it gives them a chance to practice and showcase their skills, with less at stake. The coaching staff will also have their eyes on the rookies and possibly make some last-minute decisions before the season starts. The rookies to watch are: Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Jamir Watkins.

Veteran Leadership

Veteran players are expected to set the tone for the team, both on the court and in the locker room. Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum are expected to monitor and guide the rookies, and the preseason is the best time to do so, as it includes an NBA-level of physicality and complexity, but it doesn't affect the team's results in the season.

Roster Decisions Looming

There's still enough time to make the last-minute changes to the roster. One two-way contract slot is still available after waiving Jaylen Martin. This means that the performance during the preseason can be what decides who gets in on the team at the very last minute.

To Sum Up

The Wizards' preseason schedule is short, and it only includes three games. However, it's enough for fans and experts to observe the team and analyze its performance when the stakes aren't as high as with an NBA game.

The team is a mixture of rookies and veterans, and both will use the three games to make their mark. Rookies will try to get their spot on the roster, and many will look to impress the fans and coaches. On the other hand, the veterans will use the games to establish their leadership roles.