With the 2024 Paris Olympics now a part of sports history, the NBA calendar has entered a quieter phase, but anticipation is already bubbling for the 2024-25 season. While most teams have training camps slated for October, the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are operating on an accelerated schedule, kicking off their practice sessions on September 25. This early start is due to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, a prestigious international event set for October 4 and 6 in the United Arab Emirates.
The spotlight on the Celtics and Nuggets won't dim as they gear up for these preseason matchups. Prior to hitting the courts, both teams will engage with the media on September 24, signaling the start of the NBA's preseason activities. The rest of the league will follow suit with their media obligations beginning September 30, leading into the general opening of training camps on October 1.
The NBA community is eagerly awaiting the full reveal of the 2024-25 regular season schedule, set to be announced on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. Following this unveiling, all eyes will turn to October 22, the much-anticipated opening night of the new season. This significant evening will feature the Boston Celtics raising their 2024 championship banner and receiving their rings in a celebratory ceremony before hosting the New York Knicks. The buzz doesn't end there, as night one also includes an enticing matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, and an electrifying duel between the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
As the season springs into action, October 23 stands out as a key date. The Phoenix Suns will take on the Los Angeles Clippers, marking the Clippers' first regular-season game at their sparkling new arena, the Intuit Dome. This fixture sets the stage for a competitive start to the season, as rivalries old and new reignite across the NBA landscape.
The pace continues to quicken as we look forward to marquee matchups slated for the coming months. The Dallas Mavericks will clash with the Golden State Warriors on November 12, a game notable not just for its competitive stakes but also for the return of Klay Thompson to the Bay Area. This reunion is sure to add an emotional layer to an already high-stakes contest.
The climax of the regular season includes critical showdowns that fans won’t want to miss. On January 25, the Boston Celtics will face the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas for their first meeting since the thrilling 2024 Finals. This rivalry will be renewed in Boston on February 6, a game that also coincides with the NBA Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET, ensuring a day filled with suspense and potentially franchise-altering moves.
Another highlight of the NBA calendar is the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, set for October 12-13. This weekend offers a chance to honor the legends who’ve shaped the game, providing a reflective pause amidst a whirlwind season.
Looking even further ahead, NBA All-Star Weekend is scheduled for February 14-16 in San Francisco, promising a showcase of the league’s brightest talents. The regular season will draw to a close on April 13, seamlessly transitioning into the high-stakes NBA Play-In Tournament from April 15-18. The quest for the championship will officially commence with the NBA Playoffs starting on April 19, setting the stage for yet another thrilling conclusion to the basketball year.
As teams prepare for the journey ahead, the 2024-25 NBA season promises to be a storyline-rich tapestry of triumphs, rivalries, and unforgettable moments that will capture the hearts and minds of basketball fans worldwide.