With the 2024 Paris Olympics in the rearview mirror, the NBA enters a period of relative calm before the excitement of the 2024-25 season starts to build. Fans and teams alike are eagerly anticipating the action-packed schedule ahead, with training camps and key games already marked on their calendars.
Training Camps and Preseason Matchups
Most NBA teams will begin their training camps in October, but for the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets, the calendar is a bit more advanced. These two teams will report earlier, kicking off their practice sessions on September 25, primarily due to their involvement in the NBA Abu Dhabi games. The Celtics and Nuggets are set to square off in a pair of preseason encounters in the United Arab Emirates on October 4 and 6.
To accommodate this schedule, September 24 has been designated as Media Day for the Celtics and Nuggets, a step ahead of the rest of the league. Media obligations for other teams start on September 30, followed closely by the official commencement of their training camps on October 1.
Key Dates in October
Basketball enthusiasts should mark their calendars for several significant dates in October. The NBA will unveil its complete schedule for the 2024-25 regular season on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, a moment eagerly awaited by fans looking to plan their viewing around marquee matchups. The league's official start date is October 22, a night that promises excitement and ceremony.
On opening night, the Boston Celtics will perform the ceremonious raising of their 2024 championship banner and distribute rings before taking on the New York Knicks. This night will be complemented by high-profile games including the Minnesota Timberwolves versus the Los Angeles Lakers, and a clash between the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
Debuts and Returns
October 23 will see the Phoenix Suns face the Los Angeles Clippers, a game that will also mark the Clippers' first regular season show at their new home, the Intuit Dome. This matchup closely follows the initial excitement of opening night and will keep the momentum rolling early in the season.
Exciting Matchups Ahead
Looking further into the season, fans can anticipate captivating encounters such as the Dallas Mavericks taking on the Golden State Warriors on November 12. This game is particularly noteworthy as it marks Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay Area.
A rematch of last season’s Finals is also on the horizon. The Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks are set to meet in Dallas on January 25, with a follow-up game scheduled in Boston on February 6. This date coincides with the NBA Trade Deadline, which is set for 3 p.m. ET on February 6, adding another layer of intrigue to an already significant matchup.
Special Events and Seasonal Highlights
Additionally, key events like the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend will take place on October 12-13, celebrating the sport's most storied names. February 14-16 will feature the NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, promising a dazzling display of the league's top talent and numerous festivities.
The Final Stretch
The regular season will draw to a close on April 13, setting the stage for postseason action. From April 15-18, the NBA Play-In Tournament will take place, determining the final playoff spots and leading directly into the NBA Playoffs, which are set to begin on April 19.
With all these dates and events on the horizon, the 2024-25 NBA season is shaping up to be a thrilling and dynamic one. As teams head into their respective training camps and begin preparations, fans can hardly wait for the bounce of the first basketball signaling the start of what promises to be an unforgettable season.