With the 2024 Paris Olympics now a part of history, the NBA world turns its focus to what promises to be an electrifying 2024-25 season. While anticipation is building across the league, teams are preparing to return to the grind of training camps and preseason rituals. The NBA schedule, pivotal in any fan’s calendar, offers a roadmap to a season that will culminate with the crowning of a new champion in April.
Training Camps and Early Starters
Most NBA teams will initiate their training camps in October, marking the official start of their pre-season preparations. However, the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets find themselves on an accelerated timeline this year. Both teams will commence practice sessions on September 25, ahead of the league’s official start. This early start is due to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates.
The Celtics and Nuggets are slated to compete in a pair of preseason matchups in Abu Dhabi on October 4 and 6. Before they take to the court, the teams will engage in Media Day activities on September 24, setting the stage for their intensified preseason regimen. The rest of the league will follow suit, beginning their media obligations on September 30, with training camps starting the very next day on October 1.
Unveiling the Season Schedule
The complete schedule for the 2024-25 NBA regular season is set for release on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. This announcement is always a highlight for fans, as they eagerly mark their calendars for key matchups and marquee games.
One of the season's pinnacles will occur on October 22 with the opening night of the new NBA season. In a celebratory moment for Boston, the Celtics will raise their 2024 championship banner and receive their rings before hosting the New York Knicks. Opening night will also feature other exciting matchups, including a face-off between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as a clash between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
As the season unfolds, fans can anticipate high-stakes games that will shape the dynamics of the league. The Phoenix Suns will take on the Los Angeles Clippers on October 23, marking the Clippers' first regular-season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome.
Intriguing Matchups Ahead
Another notable date on the NBA calendar is November 12, when the Dallas Mavericks will square off against the Golden State Warriors. This game will also see Klay Thompson returning to the Bay Area, adding another layer of excitement for fans and players alike. The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, who last met in the 2024 Finals, will renew their rivalry on January 25 in Dallas. Their second matchup is scheduled for February 6 in Boston, coinciding with the NBA Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET.
Key Events and Milestones
Beyond the regular season, the NBA has several key events that promise to captivate the basketball community. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend is scheduled for October 12-13, celebrating the illustrious careers of the game's legends. Another eagerly awaited event is NBA All-Star Weekend, set for February 14-16 in San Francisco, where the league's brightest stars will gather to showcase their talents in a festive atmosphere.
The regular season will come to a close on April 13, swiftly followed by the NBA Play-In Tournament from April 15-18. This tournament will set the stage for the NBA Playoffs, which kick off on April 19, commencing the final stretch towards the championship.
As the 2024-25 NBA season inches closer, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. With a rich array of matchups and significant events laid out, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the league's storied history.