With the 2024 Paris Olympics now a part of history, the NBA has entered its customary quiet period as teams and fans alike prepare for the thrill of the 2024-25 season. The echoes of an exhilarating Olympic summer in Paris are slowly fading into the background as the NBA's rhythms take over once more.
Preseason Excitement Builds
For most NBA franchises, training camps are set to begin in October. However, the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets will jumpstart their preparations a bit earlier. Both teams will start practicing on September 25, ahead of their colleagues. This accelerated timeline is attributed to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, marking an exciting preseason showcase in the United Arab Emirates.
The Celtics and Nuggets' appearance in Abu Dhabi will feature a duo of preseason matchups scheduled for October 4 and 6, giving fans an early taste of the upcoming season's competitive spirit. Prior to hitting the practice courts, Media Day for these two franchises is set for September 24, offering a platform for players and coaches to share their thoughts and feelings about the season ahead.
League-Wide Preparations
On the other hand, the rest of the NBA will follow closely behind. Media obligations for all other teams are earmarked for September 30, with training camps officially starting on October 1. The NBA’s complete schedule for the 2024-25 regular season will be unveiled on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, offering fans a detailed look at what is to come.
One date already circled on everyone’s calendar is October 22—the opening night for the new season. This night promises to be a spectacle as the Boston Celtics celebrate their 2024 championship by raising their banner and handing out rings before taking on the New York Knicks.
Opening Night Matchups
In addition to the Celtics-Knicks showdown, the opening night slate features other exciting matchups. The Minnesota Timberwolves will battle the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Milwaukee Bucks will visit the Philadelphia 76ers in a clash of Eastern Conference powers. Fans will not have to wait long for more action; on October 23, the Phoenix Suns will take on the Los Angeles Clippers in the Clippers' first regular-season game at their state-of-the-art new home, the Intuit Dome.
Key Dates and Highlighted Games
As anticipation continues to build, fans are also marking their calendars for several other key matchups. The Dallas Mavericks will face the Golden State Warriors on November 12, a notable game as it marks Klay Thompson's return to the Bay Area. Another high-stakes duel will come on January 25 when the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks meet in Dallas for the first time since their 2024 Finals clash. A rematch is set for February 6 in Boston, the same day as the NBA's trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET.
Beyond the regular season, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend is scheduled for October 12-13, providing a moment to honor the legends of the game. Additionally, NBA All-Star Weekend will take place from February 14-16 in San Francisco, promising a constellation of stars and exciting events for fans.
The Road to the Playoffs
The season is structured to build momentum towards its climax, concluding on April 13. Immediately following the regular season, the NBA Play-In Tournament will be held from April 15-18, determining the final seeds for the playoffs. The intensity will crescendo with the NBA Playoffs starting on April 19, setting the stage for teams to battle for the ultimate prize—the NBA Championship.
As the quieter phase of the NBA calendar gradually dissipates, the path forward is laden with pivotal events and action-packed games that promise to capture the imaginations of basketball fans worldwide. Each team will soon embark on its journey, fueled by dreams of glory and the relentless pursuit of excellence.