With the 2024 Paris Olympics behind us, the NBA calendar shifts to a more tranquil period. Yet, the calm is merely the prelude to what promises to be a captivating 2024-25 NBA season. Training camps for most teams kick off in October, but some squads are getting an early start.
Early Start for Celtics and Nuggets
The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets will hit the ground running earlier than the rest, reporting for practice as soon as September 25. This accelerated timeline is influenced by their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games. Fans can look forward to watching the Celtics and Nuggets face off 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, offering fans and reporters a first peek at how the teams are shaping up. The rest of the league will begin their own media obligations on September 30, with training camps starting the following day, October 1.
Season Schedule and Opening Night
The NBA has announced that it will reveal its complete schedule for the 2024-25 regular season on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. One date that all basketball enthusiasts should circle on their calendars: October 22, the opening night of the new NBA season.
Opening night promises to be a spectacle. The Boston Celtics will raise their 2024 championship banner and receive their rings before hosting the New York Knicks. This ceremony will be a momentous occasion and a fitting start to the season for Celtics fans. The night also features a thrilling lineup with the Minnesota Timberwolves taking on the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Milwaukee Bucks clashing with the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
Key Games and Dates
The Phoenix Suns will face the Los Angeles Clippers on October 23, marking a significant game as it will be the Clippers' first regular season match at their new home, the Intuit Dome. The high-profile matchups continue into November, with the Dallas Mavericks set to face the Golden State Warriors on November 12. Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay Area for this game adds an extra layer of excitement.
Fans should also note the significant matchups later in the season. The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks will meet on January 25 in Dallas, their first meeting since the 2024 Finals. The two teams will clash again on February 6 in Boston, adding more sizzle to an already heated rivalry.
Highlight Events and Closing Moments
February 6 also marks the NBA Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET, a day that can dramatically reshape team rosters and alter the league's balance of power. A few days later, from February 14-16, the NBA All-Star Weekend will take place in San Francisco, offering a mid-season break to showcase the league’s brightest talents.
As the season progresses, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend stands out as a significant event, scheduled for October 12-13 in Springfield, Massachusetts. This event celebrates the finest players, coaches, and contributors to the game.
The regular season will conclude on April 13, setting the stage for the intensity of the NBA Play-In Tournament from April 15-18 and the start of the NBA Playoffs on April 19. With a packed schedule featuring memorable moments and high-octane matchups from start to finish, the 2024-25 NBA season promises to be a thrilling journey for teams and fans alike.
As anticipation builds, fans around the globe eagerly await the start of a season filled with promise and potential. Whether rooting for seasoned champions or rising stars, one thing is certain—the passion and excitement of NBA basketball will once again take center stage.