With the Paris 2024 Olympics now a part of history, the NBA enters a phase of anticipation and preparation for what promises to be an enthralling 2024-25 season. The buzz surrounding the upcoming season is palpable as teams begin to gear up for training camps and preseason matchups. For most teams, training camps kick off in October. However, the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets find themselves on an accelerated schedule, beginning their practice sessions on September 25 due to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games.
The early start is a result of the Celtics and Nuggets being selected to play a pair of preseason matchups in the United Arab Emirates on October 4 and 6. Before they take to the court in Abu Dhabi, both teams will hold Media Day on September 24, a day ahead of their first practice session. The rest of the league will follow suit with their media obligations on September 30, with training camps for the majority of the teams starting on October 1.
As the excitement builds, the NBA will unveil the complete schedule for the 2024-25 regular season on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. One of the most anticipated moments will undoubtedly be opening night on October 22. The Boston Celtics will celebrate their 2024 championship by raising their banner and receiving their rings before hosting the New York Knicks. The thrilling slate of games on opening night will also feature a clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, along with a showdown between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
The action doesn’t stop there. October 23 will see the Phoenix Suns take on the Los Angeles Clippers, signifying the Clippers' first regular-season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome. This marks a historic moment for the franchise as they settle into their state-of-the-art venue and aim to set a dominant tone at home from the get-go.
Highlighting the key games scheduled later in the season, the Dallas Mavericks will face the Golden State Warriors on November 12. This matchup will see Klay Thompson returning to the Bay Area, adding an interesting dynamic to an already compelling game. On January 25, the Boston Celtics will visit Dallas in what will be their first encounter since the 2024 Finals, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch. The two teams will meet again in Boston on February 6, coinciding with the NBA Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET.
Fans looking forward to hallmark NBA events should mark their calendars for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend set for October 12-13 and the NBA All-Star Weekend scheduled for February 14-16 in San Francisco. These events offer a unique opportunity to celebrate both the history and the present superstars of the game, bringing together legends and current elite players under one roof.
The regular season is set to conclude on April 13, but the excitement is far from over as the NBA Play-In Tournament is scheduled from April 15-18. The Play-In Tournament is expected to deliver high-stakes drama as teams battle for the final playoff spots. Once those spots are secured, the NBA Playoffs will commence on April 19, where the intensity and fervor of postseason basketball will reach its zenith.
As we look ahead to the unfolding season, the blend of return matchups, new arenas, and celebratory events promises a captivating narrative for NBA fans globally. From the exhilaration of opening night to the strategic moves at the trade deadline, and finally the crescendo of the playoffs, the 2024-25 NBA season is poised to deliver every bit of excitement that basketball aficionados crave.