The 2026 NBA preseason continues Tuesday, October 13, with five games scheduled across the league. Basketball fans can look forward to several intriguing matchups, including the Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic, and New York Knicks vs. Toronto Raptors.
With the 2026-27 NBA regular season approaching, teams are using these final preseason games to evaluate their rosters, establish rotations and prepare for opening night.
Here’s everything you need to know about the NBA games today, October 13, 2026, including the complete schedule, start times and television information.
NBA Games Today: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
There are five NBA preseason games scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
All times listed are Eastern Time (ET).
| NBA Matchup | Start Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic | 7:00 PM |
| New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors | 7:00 PM |
| Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder | 8:00 PM |
| Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings | 10:00 PM |
| Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers | 10:00 PM |
The evening begins with two games at 7:00 PM ET before concluding with a pair of Western Conference matchups at 10:00 PM ET.
Where to Watch NBA Games Today
NBA preseason games are available through a combination of national television networks, regional broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Two of Tuesday’s matchups have the following reported national broadcast options:
| Game | TV Channel / Streaming |
|---|---|
| Cavaliers vs. Magic | Peacock / NBC Sports Network |
| Warriors vs. Lakers | NBA TV |
Broadcast information for the remaining games should be confirmed through local listings or the official NBA schedule.
Fans can visit NBA.com for the latest game information and available viewing options.
Warriors vs. Lakers Headlines Tuesday’s NBA Preseason Schedule
One of the most anticipated games on Tuesday’s schedule features the Golden State Warriors visiting the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 PM ET.
The matchup brings together two of the NBA’s most recognizable franchises as they continue preparing for the upcoming regular season.
Preseason games provide opportunities for coaching staffs to experiment with different lineups, evaluate younger players and manage the playing time of established veterans.
With the regular season approaching, both teams will be looking to build momentum before games begin counting toward the standings.
Game Information:
- Matchup: Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Competition: NBA Preseason
- TV: NBA TV
Cavaliers vs. Magic Open Tuesday’s NBA Action
The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to face the Orlando Magic in one of the first games of Tuesday’s NBA preseason slate.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET.
Both Eastern Conference teams will continue evaluating their rotations and preparing for the 2026-27 campaign.
The preseason contest offers an opportunity to assess team chemistry and player development before the regular season begins.
Knicks vs. Raptors: Eastern Conference Preseason Matchup
The New York Knicks visit the Toronto Raptors at 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday.
New York and Toronto will use the matchup to continue fine-tuning their offensive and defensive systems.
With opening night approaching, preseason games become increasingly important for players competing for rotation spots and roster positions.
Pacers vs. Thunder: NBA Preseason Game at 8 PM ET
The Indiana Pacers face the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8:00 PM ET.
The matchup features two teams preparing for the upcoming NBA regular season.
Fans can expect both coaching staffs to focus on evaluating personnel, experimenting with combinations and assessing team readiness.
Trail Blazers vs. Kings: Late-Night NBA Action
The Portland Trail Blazers visit the Sacramento Kings at 10:00 PM ET.
This Western Conference preseason matchup is one of two games scheduled in the late-night window.
For both teams, the contest provides another opportunity to evaluate young talent and finalize rotations ahead of the regular season.
When Does the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season Start?
The 2026-27 NBA regular season is scheduled to begin Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
That means Tuesday’s preseason games take place just one week before the start of the regular season.
During the final stretch of preseason action, NBA teams typically focus on reducing their rotations, managing player workloads and making final roster decisions.
Fans can follow the latest schedules, scores and standings through the NBA’s official website.
Are NBA Games Today Regular Season or Preseason?
All five NBA games scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, are preseason contests.
Preseason games do not count toward regular-season standings or playoff qualification.
Instead, they allow teams to prepare for the upcoming campaign while giving coaches opportunities to evaluate players and different lineup combinations.
NBA Games Today: Frequently Asked Questions
Are there NBA games today, October 13, 2026?
Yes. Five NBA preseason games are scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
What time do NBA games start today?
The first NBA games begin at 7:00 PM ET, with additional contests scheduled for 8:00 PM ET and 10:00 PM ET.
Are the Lakers playing today?
Yes. The Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors at 10:00 PM ET on Tuesday, October 13.
Are the Warriors playing today?
Yes. The Golden State Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 PM ET in preseason action.
Are the Knicks playing today?
Yes. The New York Knicks visit the Toronto Raptors at 7:00 PM ET.
Are the Celtics playing today?
No. The Boston Celtics are not scheduled to play on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
What channel is the Warriors vs. Lakers game on?
The Warriors vs. Lakers preseason matchup is scheduled to air on NBA TV.
When does the NBA regular season begin?
The 2026-27 NBA regular season is scheduled to begin October 20, 2026.
Final Thoughts: NBA Preseason Games Today
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, features a five-game NBA preseason schedule highlighted by the Warriors vs. Lakers matchup at 10:00 PM ET.
With the regular season beginning October 20, teams have limited opportunities remaining to finalize their preparations.
Basketball fans can enjoy a full evening of NBA action, beginning at 7:00 PM ET and continuing through the late-night Western Conference games.
For updated NBA schedules, scores, game results and basketball coverage, visit The Sports Cast.