Do starters play NBA preseason games? Looking at top players who are expected to be benched before regular season 

As the action gets underway, many NBA fans wonder if starters will see the court in these games. Here's how things typically play out in preseason.

For the most part, starters do play in the NBA preseason. However, it's not the same level of workload that they get in the regular season. Instead, it's more of a chance to shake the rust off and get some live game reps against real competition.

The players who typically get the most minutes in preseason are rookies and other young prospects. Veterans who understand how to prepare for the year don't need as much time to get themselves to 100%, so they typically only play two to three quarters in preseason games.

There are some instances where starters do sit out the preseason. Fans in Abu Dabi saw this first hand. Not long before the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves were set to face off, it was announced that Anthony Edwards would not be suiting up. The All-Star guard was listed as out due to an ankle injury.

Another big name who won't be seeing the court in preseason is Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green. He's out for multiple weeks after suffering an ankle sprain during training camp.

Injuries and contract disputes are typically the main factors that lead to starters not playing in preseason. Outside of that, most NBA players see some form of action in the ramp up to the regular season.

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Breaking down stat leaders from last NBA preseason

For any indication on how much starters play in the NBA preseason, look no further than last year's statistics. Even though they played limited minutes, stars across the league still managed to put up good numbers.

As far as minutes goes, then Indiana Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin led the league at 28.5. Not far behind him were multiple starters who're All-Star caliber players.

They're Desmond Bane (28.0 MPG) and Ja Morant (27.7 MPG) of the Memphis Grizzlies and Trae Young (25.8 MPG) and Dejounte Murray (27.3 MPG) of the Atlanta Hawks.

Here's a breakdown of some of the other statistical leaders from the 2022-23 NBA preseason.

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Points Per Game

• Ja Morant (23.7)
• Bam Adebayo (23.5)
• Tyler Herro (22.5)

Rebounds Per Game

• Jalen Duren (12.0)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (10.5)
• Rudy Gobert (10.0)

Assists Per Game

• Chris Paul (9.0)
• Andrew Nembhard (8.0)
• Darius Garland (7.7)

Steals Per Game

• Paul Geroge (3.33)
• PJ Washington (3.00)
• Day'Ron Sharpe (2.33)

Blocks Per Game

• John Butler (3.00)
• Mitchell Robinson (3.00)
• Jarrett Allen (2.00)