With the excitement of the 2024 Paris Olympics now a cherished memory, the NBA has entered a relatively quieter phase. However, anticipation is already building for what promises to be an electrifying 2024-25 NBA season. As teams prepare for the grueling months ahead, the NBA calendar is already packed with key dates and thrilling matchups.
Early Starters and International Flair
For most of the league, training camps are set to begin in October. However, the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets will get a head start, as their practice sessions kick off on September 25. This accelerated schedule is to accommodate their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, set for early October.
The Celtics and Nuggets are slated to face off in a pair of preseason games in the United Arab Emirates on October 4 and 6. The international flair continues as September 24 marks Media Day for these two teams, a day earlier than the rest of the league, which will begin their media obligations on September 30. Training camps for all other teams will commence on October 1.
Unveiling the Schedule and Opening Night Thrills
Fans won’t have to wait much longer for the complete 2024-25 regular-season schedule, which the NBA is scheduled to unveil on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. The season’s grand opening is marked for October 22 and promises a night of high-octane basketball action.
The Boston Celtics, fresh off their 2024 championship victory, will raise their championship banner and receive their rings before hosting the New York Knicks. Not to be overshadowed, opening night will also feature enticing matchups 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 trifecta of games promises to set a fiery tone for the season right from the get-go.
Setting the Stage for the New Season
On October 23, the action continues as the Phoenix Suns take on the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers will have the added excitement of playing their first regular-season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome, against the Suns.
The schedule is peppered with marquee matchups. On November 12, the Dallas Mavericks will face the Golden State Warriors, a game that will see Klay Thompson returning to the Bay Area, undoubtedly adding an emotional twist to the contest.
Memorable Encounters and Key Dates
As the season unfolds, several dates stand out. The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, fresh off their clash in the 2024 Finals, will meet for the first time in the new season on January 25 in Dallas. They will face off again on February 6 in Boston, a date that also coincides with the NBA Trade Deadline, set for 3 p.m. ET, which is sure to add another layer of intrigue to the games.
Another highlight will be the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, set for October 12-13, celebrating the legends of the sport.
In the Sprint to Season’s End
February will also host the NBA All-Star Weekend from February 14-16 in San Francisco, a midseason extravaganza that never fails to capture the imagination of basketball fans worldwide. This year, San Francisco will be the backdrop for this glamourous event.
The regular season will draw to a close on April 13, after which the intense competition escalates. The NBA Play-In Tournament is scheduled for April 15-18, leading up to the much-anticipated NBA Playoffs starting on April 19.
As teams gear up for the next chapter in their journey, the upcoming NBA season already promises a blend of intense rivalries, significant milestones, and historic venues that will captivate basketball enthusiasts around the world.