With the 2024 Paris Olympics now a memory, the NBA has hit a quieter phase before the storm of the 2024-25 season begins. Anticipation is stirring for what promises to be an electrifying season, marked by an earlier start for some marquee teams due to international commitments.
Early Start for Celtics and Nuggets
This year, the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets will head into training camp earlier than most. Both teams are set to commence practice sessions on September 25, ahead of their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games. These teams will engage in a pair of preseason matchups in the United Arab Emirates on October 4 and 6, providing an early test of their offseason adjustments.
Before they hit the practice courts, September 24 holds importance as Media Day for both the Celtics and the Nuggets. This event will be the official curtain-raiser for what is shaping up to be an intriguing season. The remaining teams will follow suit with their media obligations on September 30, leading into the league-wide start of training camps on October 1.
A Season of Promise and Milestones
The NBA will unveil the full schedule for the 2024-25 regular season on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, setting the stage for the excitement to come. Mark your calendars for October 22, as the Celtics will ceremoniously raise their 2024 championship banner and receive their rings before hosting the New York Knicks. This celebration will undoubtedly be a poignant moment for Boston fans and a fitting way to tip off the season.
Opening night will be a feast for basketball enthusiasts, featuring a showdown between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Adding to the spectacle, the Milwaukee Bucks will clash with the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia, ensuring a night full of high-octane action.
Early Highlights and Key Dates
The next night, October 23, will see the Phoenix Suns take on the Los Angeles Clippers. This game holds particular significance as it marks the Clippers' first regular season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome. This state-of-the-art venue will undoubtedly add a fresh dynamic to the Clippers' season, beginning with their encounter against the formidable Suns.
Another eagerly awaited matchup is set for November 12, when the Dallas Mavericks face the Golden State Warriors. This game will be special, as it features Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay Area, adding an extra layer of drama and anticipation.
Fast forward to January 25, and the Boston Celtics will meet the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas for the first time since their 2024 Finals showdown. This matchup promises to be a captivating rematch of last year's championship battle. The teams will face off again on February 6 in Boston, which coincides with the NBA Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET).
Special Events and Season End
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend is scheduled for October 12-13, celebrating the new inductees who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Subsequently, NBA All-Star Weekend will take place from February 14-16 in San Francisco, drawing the eyes of the basketball world as the league’s brightest stars showcase their skills.
The regular season will eventually wind down, culminating on April 13. The competitive fervor doesn’t end there, though, as the NBA Play-In Tournament is set to take place from April 15-18. This prelude to the playoffs will set the stage for the main event, with the NBA Playoffs kicking off on April 19.
This upcoming season is packed with must-watch moments and storylines that will captivate fans from tip-off to the final buzzer. From early international matchups to season-defining face-offs and the unveiling of new arenas, the 2024-25 NBA season promises to be one for the ages.