Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl The NBA says its exhibition schedule will start Oct. 9, provided a new collective bargaining agreement with the players can be reached in time. A preseason that starts on time — or perhaps even happens at all — seems unlikely given the gap between the sides more than a month and a half into the lockout. They have had one full negotiating session since and would probably need a deal by the middle of September to avoid having to cancel exhibition games.