With the 2024 Paris Olympics now in the rearview mirror, the NBA calendar has entered a comparatively quieter phase. However, the excitement and anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season are already palpable, as teams across the league gear up for what promises to be a thrilling year of basketball.
Training Camps and Preseason
For most NBA teams, the journey towards a new season begins in October with the opening of training camps. However, the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets will get an early start, reporting for practice on September 25. This accelerated schedule is due to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, where the two teams will square off in a pair of preseason matchups in the United Arab Emirates on October 4 and 6. Adding to the buildup, September 24 has been marked as Media Day for both the Celtics and Nuggets, allowing fans and the media to get a closer look at the players and coaches before they hit the court.
For the rest of the league, media obligations will commence on September 30, followed by the start of training camps on October 1. These preparatory steps are crucial as teams fine-tune their strategies, assess new talent, and build cohesion in anticipation of the regular season.
Key Dates and Matchups
One of the most exciting aspects of the forthcoming season is the array of key matchups and dates that fans eagerly anticipate. The NBA has announced that the complete schedule for the 2024-25 regular season will be unveiled on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. This revelation will provide a comprehensive look at the journey each team will navigate through the months ahead.
The opening night of the new NBA season is set for October 22, and it promises to be a spectacular start. The Boston Celtics will have the honor of raising their 2024 championship banner and receiving their rings before hosting the New York Knicks, setting a celebratory tone for the evening. Additionally, the opening night will feature a clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as a high-stakes game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
As the season unfolds, several other intriguing matchups stand out. On October 23, the Phoenix Suns will face the Los Angeles Clippers, marking the Clippers' first regular season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome. The Dallas Mavericks will lock horns with the Golden State Warriors on November 12, a game that will see Klay Thompson return to the Bay Area. Additionally, the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks will meet on January 25 in Dallas, their first encounter since the 2024 Finals, followed by a rematch on February 6 in Boston. Notably, February 6 is also the NBA Trade Deadline, set for 3 p.m. ET, a pivotal moment for teams to make strategic adjustments.
Season Highlights and Key Events
The NBA’s calendar is punctuated with several significant events beyond regular season games. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend is scheduled for October 12-13, celebrating the achievements of legendary players and contributors to the sport. Another marquee event is the NBA All-Star Weekend, slated for February 14-16 in San Francisco, where the league’s biggest stars will gather for a weekend of exhibitions and festivities.
The regular season will draw to a close on April 13, setting the stage for the NBA Play-In Tournament from April 15-18. This tournament offers teams on the fringe of playoff contention a last chance to secure their spots in the postseason. Following the Play-In Tournament, the NBA Playoffs will kick off on April 19, where the quest for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy truly intensifies.
As the new season approaches, the NBA community is brimming with anticipation. From the early preseason efforts of the Celtics and Nuggets to the myriad of compelling matchups and key dates, the 2024-25 NBA season is poised to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments both on and off the court.