NBA China Games 2025: Everything to know

This year’s event marks the 15th NBA China Games, which began in 2004 and has featured 28 NBA preseason games in its history in an effort to grow the game globally.

The NBA China Games are one of seven international showcases on the NBA calendar this upcoming season, alongside the NBA Abu Dhabi Games (Oct. 2 & 4), NBAxNBL Melbourne Series (Oct. 3 & 5), NBA Canada Series (Oct. 6), (Oct. 10 & 12), NBA Mexico City Game (Nov. 1), NBA Berlin Game (Jan. 15) and NBA London Game (Jan. 18).

When are the NBA China Games 2025?
The two preseason games between Phoenix and Brooklyn will take place on Friday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 12, tipping off at 8 a.m. ET and 11 a.m. ET, respectively.

Where will the NBA China Games 2025 be played?

Both games will be held at The Venetian Arena in Macao. The venue will also host NBA Fan Day presented by Alibaba Cloud on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Is there any programming outside of the official preseason games?

In addition to the pair of preseason games, Macao will host NBA Fan Day on Oct. 11, which will feature celebrity performances and the opportunity to watch the teams, celebrities and influencers participate in on-court activities and skills competitions.

NBA House will be in Macao from Oct. 8-12 at the Venetian Macao Hall A. This free admission fan festival offers an immersive NBA culture experience for basketball fans., including a chance to meet NBA legends and players.

Ahead of the games, an NBA Flagship Store will open at The Londoner Macao and provide fans in Macao and visiting from around the world with a wide range of authentic and customizable NBA merchandise from major brands such as Nike, Mitchell & Ness, New Era, Wilson and NBA Kids.

What are three key storylines to know entering this matchup?

1. New-look Suns make their NBA China Games debut: Franchise cornerstone Devin Booker leads a new Suns squad after an offseason of change across the organization — new coach, new general manager and new players. Kevin Durant (traded) and Bradley Beal (waived) are out, with Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams and rookie lottery pick Khaman Maluach joining a team looking to get back into the playoff picture.

2. Young Nets looking to build foundation for future success: Brooklyn features one of the league’s youngest rosters, with no player holding more than six years’ experience and five players selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. This summer, the Nets traded Cam Johnson to Denver for Michael Porter Jr., who brings championship experience during his 2023 title run with the Nuggets to a young Nets team looking to grow into a future contender. 

3. A return visit for Claxton: This year’s event marks the fourth time that the Nets have participated in the NBA China Games (2010, 2014, 2019, 2025) – tied with the Warriors and Rockets for the most such appearances. Only one player on Brooklyn’s 2025 roster was on the squad the last time the Nets were in China. Nic Claxton was a 20-year-old rookie in 2019 and appeared in one of the two games against the Lakers, posting eight points, three rebounds, two assists and one block in nine minutes off the bench in a 91-77 Nets win. Now 26, what will Claxton have in store for his second appearance?