With the 2024 Paris Olympics now a part of sports history, the NBA calendar enters a relatively quieter phase. However, the anticipation for the 2024-25 season is already building. As basketball fans know, the heartbeat of the NBA never truly stops, and the upcoming season promises thrilling matchups and intriguing storylines.
Early Start for Celtics and Nuggets
Most NBA teams will begin their training camps in October, but two teams are getting a head start: the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets. Both squads report for practice earlier than the rest, starting on September 25. This change in schedule is due to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, where they are set to clash in a pair of preseason matchups in the United Arab Emirates on October 4 and 6.
September 24 is marked as Media Day for the Celtics and Nuggets, giving fans and journalists a first look at roster changes and team dynamics. The rest of the league will follow with their media obligations on September 30, and training camps for the remaining teams will officially commence on October 1.
A Grand Opening Night
The NBA has slated October 22 for the opening night of the new season, and it looks to be a memorable one. The Boston Celtics, fresh off their 2024 championship win, will raise their banner and receive their rings before hosting the New York Knicks. This ceremony is sure to be an emotional moment for the team and its fans, celebrating their recent triumph.
Opening night will feature other high-stake matchups. The Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Milwaukee Bucks face the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia. These games will set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying season.
The excitement continues on October 23, with the Phoenix Suns meeting the Los Angeles Clippers. This game will be particularly noteworthy as it marks the Clippers' first regular season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome, signaling a new era for the franchise.
Future Highlight Games
Basketball aficionados should mark several other dates on their calendars. On November 12, the Dallas Mavericks face the Golden State Warriors, a game that will see Klay Thompson return to the Bay Area. This matchup will wrap up a series of engaging early-season games.
Another significant clash will occur on January 25, when the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks meet in Dallas. This game will be their first encounter since the 2024 Finals, adding an extra layer of intensity. A rematch in Boston is scheduled for February 6, which is also the day of the NBA Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET.
Crunch Time and the Road to the Finals
The NBA season will draw to a close on April 13, leading to the Play-In Tournament from April 15-18. This tournament format has added a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the season's conclusion, keeping fans and teams on their toes until the very end. The NBA Playoffs will then commence on April 19, where teams will battle it out for the ultimate prize.
Key Events on the NBA Calendar
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend is set for October 12-13, offering a moment to honor the sport's greatest figures. Additionally, fans can look forward to NBA All-Star Weekend from February 14-16 in San Francisco, a showcase of the league's top talent and a celebration of the sport.
As the new season approaches, the NBA's movers and shakers are already gearing up for another year of high-flying action, dramatic games, and historic moments. Whether it's in training camps, the regular season, or the playoff battles to come, basketball fans have every reason to be excited.