With the 2024 Paris Olympics now a part of history, the world of professional basketball shifts its focus to the upcoming NBA season. The 2024-25 season promises excitement, and teams are gearing up as anticipation builds. While most squads will begin their training camps in October, the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets will be starting their preparations earlier due to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games.
Early Start for Celtics and Nuggets
The Celtics and Nuggets have an accelerated schedule, with training camps kicking off on September 25. This is tied to their special engagement in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, featuring a pair of preseason matchups in the United Arab Emirates on October 4 and 6. These teams will also participate in Media Day on September 24, giving fans a first glimpse at the rosters and any new additions.
For the rest of the league, Media Day is set for September 30, followed by the commencement of training camps on October 1. As the various teams prepare for the challenges ahead, the league is set to unveil its complete schedule for the 2024-25 regular season on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, setting the stage for this new chapter in NBA history.
Opening Night Lineup
Mark your calendars for October 22, the opening night of the new NBA season. On this auspicious night, the Boston Celtics will not only host the New York Knicks but will also celebrate their 2024 championship. Before the game, the Celtics will raise their championship banner and receive their rings, commemorating their recent victory.
Opening night isn’t just about Boston and New York. It also features a highly anticipated matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as a clash between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia. This trisected opening night ensures a dramatic and thrilling start to the season.
Crucial Dates and Matchups
Following the opening night, October 23 brings another marquee matchup when the Phoenix Suns face the Los Angeles Clippers. This game holds additional significance as it marks the Clippers' first regular-season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the Clippers will perform in their state-of-the-art venue.
Another key date to watch is November 12, when the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors face off. This game is particularly notable for the return of Klay Thompson to the Bay Area, which promises to be an emotional and high-stakes encounter.
Things heat up even more when the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks meet on January 25 in Dallas. This will be their first matchup since meeting in the 2024 Finals, adding an extra layer of competition and intrigue. The two teams will face off again on February 6 in Boston, which is also the day of the NBA Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET.
Season Highlights
October 12-13 is another set of dates to look out for, as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend takes place. The event celebrates the contributions and legacies of basketball’s greats, offering a moment of reflection amidst the excitement of the new season.
NBA All-Star Weekend will follow in February, scheduled for the 14th to 16th in San Francisco. This annual spectacle is always a highlight of the NBA calendar, bringing together the league's best for a weekend of competition, exhibitions, and entertainment.
The Road to the Playoffs
The regular season will come to a close on April 13. From there, the NBA Play-In Tournament will run from April 15-18, providing teams on the bubble a last shot at earning a playoff berth. The NBA Playoffs officially begin on April 19, marking the start of the quest for the championship. Teams will battle through intense rounds, aiming to secure their place in NBA history.
As the quiet phase of the NBA calendar winds down, the excitement is palpable. From the opening night celebrations to the final whistle of the playoffs, the 2024-25 season is poised to deliver its share of memorable moments, high drama, and unparalleled athleticism. Basketball fans around the globe can hardly wait for the action to begin.