Yang Hanshen to Play! Trail Blazers Announce Preseason Schedule: Two Games Against Warriors, Plus Matchups with London Lions and Kings

On August 4, Beijing time, the Trail Blazers officially announced their preseason schedule, which includes games against the Warriors (two matchups), the British League's London Lions, and the Kings. The full schedule (in Beijing time) is as follows:

October 8, 10:00 AM, home vs. Warriors

October 13, 4:00 AM, home vs. London Lions

October 14, 10:00 AM, away vs. Kings

October 17, 10:00 AM, away vs. Warriors

Chinese player Yang Hanshen is expected to play in the preseason. During his rookie season, he appeared in 4 preseason games, averaging 18.4 minutes, 8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.3 blocks, 2.8 turnovers, and 5.3 fouls per game. His shooting percentages were 46.2% from the field, 40% from three-point range (10-for-4), and 100% from the free-throw line.

In recent years, it has become common for professional teams from Europe, Asia, and Australia to travel to the United States to play NBA teams in preseason games. However, the London Lions noted in their press release that this will be the first time a British team has ever stepped onto the court to compete against an NBA opponent.

This matchup holds special significance for Lions head coach Tautvydas Sabonis. He is the older brother of Kings center Domantas Sabonis and the son of Trail Blazers legend Arvydas Sabonis. In a team announcement, Tautvydas shared his thoughts: "I am extremely excited to play a preseason game against an NBA team, especially in Portland against the Trail Blazers. This city means so much to me and my family. Returning here is something I look forward to. As for the game itself, it's a great test for our players to face NBA-level competition, and it will also greatly promote the development of basketball in the UK."