With the 2024 Paris Olympics in the rearview mirror, the NBA’s focus shifts to a promising new season. As the league transitions into a quieter phase of the calendar, the anticipation for the 2024-25 season is palpable.
Early Birds: Celtics and Nuggets
The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are set to get an early start this year. Both teams will report for training camp on September 25, ahead of the league-wide October 1 kickoff. This advanced schedule is necessary due to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, where they are scheduled to collide in a pair of preseason matchups on October 4 and 6 in the United Arab Emirates.
Media Day for these two teams is slated for September 24. Following this, the remaining NBA teams will fulfill their media obligations starting on September 30.
A Season of High Stakes
The NBA will unveil its complete regular season schedule for the 2024-25 season this Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. The new season, brimming with high expectations, officially tips off on October 22. Opening night will be a spectacle, featuring the Boston Celtics raising their 2024 championship banner and receiving their rings before hosting the New York Knicks. Additionally, the evening will showcase a much-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.
The excitement continues on October 23 when the Phoenix Suns face the Los Angeles Clippers. This game will mark the Clippers’ first regular-season matchup at their new home, the Intuit Dome.
Marquee Matchups and Key Dates
Fans should mark their calendars for November 12 when the Dallas Mavericks take on the Golden State Warriors in a significant early-season clash. This game will see Klay Thompson making a return to the Bay Area, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Another date to watch is January 25, when the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks meet in Dallas. This game will be their first encounter since the 2024 Finals. The teams will face off again on February 6 in Boston, a date that also coincides with the NBA Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET.
Special Events and Season Milestones
Beyond the regular season matchups, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend is set for October 12-13, celebrating the sport's legends and their contributions.
February will bring the NBA All-Star Weekend to San Francisco from the 14th to the 16th, providing a mid-season showcase of the league's top talents and a break from the intensity of regular-season play.
The end of the regular season is scheduled for April 13, an important milestone as teams gear up for the postseason. The NBA Play-In Tournament will take place from April 15-18, setting the stage for the NBA Playoffs, which commence on April 19.
As NBA action resumes, the blend of anticipated rematches, early season excitement, and ceremonial highlights promises a thrilling ride for players and fans alike. With the Celtics and Nuggets starting their journey earlier than others, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi to see how these title contenders set the tone for what could be a memorable 2024-25 NBA season.