With the 2024 Paris Olympics behind us, the NBA calendar has entered a quieter phase, but anticipation is already building for what promises to be a thrilling 2024-25 season.
Early Start for Celtics and Nuggets
For most teams, training camps kick off in October. However, the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets will report earlier, with practice starting on September 25. This accelerated schedule is due to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, where the two teams will face off in a pair of preseason matchups in the United Arab Emirates on October 4 and 6.
Fans of these two franchises will have additional early happenings to look forward to, with September 24 marked as Media Day for the Celtics and Nuggets, and September 25 marking the first day of their practice sessions. Meanwhile, the rest of the league will begin their media obligations on September 30, with training camps commencing October 1.
Regular Season Schedule Release
In a notable date for all basketball aficionados, the NBA will unveil its complete schedule for the 2024-25 regular season on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. This announcement will further fuel the excitement, laying out the path every team must navigate through the long season ahead.
An Exciting Start to the Regular Season
October 22 has been circled on many calendars, heralding the opening night of the new NBA season. The night's headline event will see the Boston Celtics raise their 2024 championship banner and receive their rings before hosting the New York Knicks. This will no doubt be a momentous occasion for the Celtics' players and fans, as they celebrate a historic achievement and turn their focus to defending their title.
The opening night also features an intriguing matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as a clash between the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia. These games are sure to set the tone for the new season, offering fans a taste of the passion and intensity that typifies NBA basketball.
Key Dates and Important Matchups
The 2024-25 season will be punctuated by several marquee matchups and critical dates. On October 23, the Phoenix Suns will face the Los Angeles Clippers, in what will be the Clippers' first regular season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome, an arena that required an investment of over $2 billion to build.
Fans will also eagerly anticipate the November 12 showdown between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors. This game is notable not just for the high caliber of competition but also for Klay Thompson's return to the Bay Area, marking another chapter in his storied career.
Another pivotal fixture to watch is the January 25 encounter between the Celtics and Mavericks in Dallas. This will be their first meeting since the 2024 Finals, adding an extra layer of narrative to what is already an enticing contest. The two teams will lock horns again on February 6 in Boston, on the same day as the NBA Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET), a critical juncture in the season when teams will look to bolster their rosters for the playoff push.
Highlighting the Mid-Season and Beyond
The 2024-25 season will also feature events that go beyond the regular fixtures. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend is set for October 12-13, with 13 inductees making up the class of '24—a fitting tribute to some of the sport's most influential figures.
NBA All-Star Weekend, scheduled for February 14-16 in San Francisco, will be another major highlight of the season, bringing together the league's brightest stars for a showcase of talent and athleticism.
The season will draw to a close on April 13, leading directly into the NBA Play-In Tournament from April 15-18, followed by the NBA Playoffs starting on April 19. As always, the playoffs promise to deliver intense competition and unforgettable moments, as teams vie for the ultimate prize in professional basketball.
From the early starts in training camp to the climactic battles of the playoffs, the 2024-25 NBA season promises months of excitement for basketball fans worldwide. With compelling matchups, significant events, and the ever-present drama of the game, the league is set to enchant and entertain once again.