The stage is set, and as a lifelong Knicks fan who's endured decades of thrilling highs and frustrating lows, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and anxiety as we approach the new season. Every preseason game feels like unwrapping a mystery box—you never know what you're going to get, but you can't resist peeking inside. So let's dive into what the New York Knicks 2023 NBA Preseason Schedule: Dates, Opponents and Game Times actually means for us fans.
First things first—when does this preseason journey actually begin? The Knicks kick things off on October 7th with a 7:30 PM ET matchup against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. THE stage is set for an immediate test against our historic rivals, and honestly, there's no better way to start. Facing the Celtics early will show us whether our offseason adjustments can stand up to elite competition right out of the gate. I'm particularly curious to see how our new additions handle the Garden's energy during such a storied rivalry.
Who else are we facing during this preseason stretch? After the Celtics game, we've got five more contests lined up, including matchups against the Washington Wizards (October 11th, 7:00 PM ET) and Minnesota Timberwolves (October 13th, 8:00 PM ET). THE stage is set for these games to reveal our depth chart decisions, especially against teams that underwent significant roster changes themselves. Personally, I'm looking forward to the Timberwolves game—their frontcourt combination gives us a perfect measuring stick for our interior defense.
What about the road games? Are we traveling far this preseason? We've got two road games that caught my eye—October 17th against the Indiana Pacers (7:00 PM ET) and October 20th wrapping up against the Washington Wizards again (7:00 PM ET). THE stage is set for these away games to test our team's chemistry in unfamiliar environments. I've always believed preseason road games tell you more about a team's character than home games do. That Pacers matchup specifically interests me because their up-tempo style will challenge our transition defense—something we struggled with last season.
When are the games happening time-wise for us working fans? Looking at the New York Knicks 2023 NBA Preseason Schedule: Dates, Opponents and Game Times, I'm pleased to see most games are in that 7:00-8:00 PM ET window. THE stage is set for prime-time viewing, which matters more than people realize. As someone who's had to miss too many preseason games due to weird start times, having evening games means more fans can actually watch these crucial development moments. That 7:30 PM start against Boston? Perfect for settling in after dinner.
How many back-to-backs are we dealing with? Fortunately, just one—we play the Wizards on October 11th then the Timberwolves on October 13th. THE stage is set for Coach Thibodeau to experiment with rotation patterns during this compact schedule. While some coaches might treat back-to-backs lightly, I suspect Thibs will use this to evaluate player endurance and bench combinations. My prediction? We'll see at least 14 different players get meaningful minutes during this stretch.
What should we realistically expect from these preseason games? Given the New York Knicks 2023 NBA Preseason Schedule: Dates, Opponents and Game Times, THE stage is set not for championship declarations but for subtle improvements. I'm watching for three things specifically: three-point shooting consistency (we need to hit at least 36% from deep), defensive communication, and how our second unit maintains leads. These might seem like small details, but they're what separate playoff teams from contenders.
Why does this particular preseason feel more significant than recent years? Maybe it's the elevated expectations after last season's playoff run, but THE stage is set differently this time. We're no longer hoping to be competitive—we're expecting to compete. The New York Knicks 2023 NBA Preseason Schedule: Dates, Opponents and Game Times represents our first real glimpse at whether this team can take that next step. And between you and me? I think we're going to surprise some people. The energy around this team feels different, and it all starts with these six preseason games.
