With the 2024 Paris Olympics now behind us, the NBA calendar has entered a quieter phase, but the anticipation for the 2024-25 season is already building up. For most teams, training camps are set to start in October, but a few exceptions are stirring early excitement.
Early Starters: Celtics and Nuggets
The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets will report back to practice earlier than most, with their training sessions starting on September 25. This accelerated schedule is due to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games. These two teams will face off in a pair of preseason matchups in the United Arab Emirates on October 4 and 6, providing fans with an early glimpse of their form. Media Day for the Celtics and Nuggets is set for September 24, paving the way for the commencement of their practice sessions the following day.
Meanwhile, the rest of the league will begin their media obligations on September 30, followed shortly by the commencement of their training camps on October 1.
Key Dates and Matchups
The league is poised for yet another thrilling season, with the NBA set to unveil its complete schedule for the 2024-25 regular season on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. The excitement kicks off in earnest on October 22, marking the opening night of the new NBA season.
The Boston Celtics, fresh off their 2024 championship win, will celebrate by raising their championship banner and receiving their rings before hosting the New York Knicks. This electrifying night also features a matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as a clash between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
October 23 brings more action as the Phoenix Suns take on the Los Angeles Clippers. This game is notable as it marks the Clippers' first regular season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome. Such high-profile matchups set the tone for what promises to be a competitive season.
Anticipated Matchups and Milestones
The schedule is peppered with standout games that fans will not want to miss. Highlighting November 12 is the much-anticipated game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors, which will see Klay Thompson's return to the Bay Area.
Another significant date is January 25, when the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks meet in Dallas for their first encounter since the 2024 Finals. This matchup is highly anticipated as it promises to bring back memories of their recent championship battle. The rematch in Boston is slated for February 6, the same day as the NBA Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET), adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Special Events and Season’s End
Beyond regular-season games, fans should mark their calendars for special events such as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on October 12-13. This celebration of basketball's legends is always a must-watch event.
NBA All-Star Weekend is scheduled for February 14-16 in San Francisco, promising to bring together the league’s brightest stars for a weekend of festivities, skills challenges, and the eagerly awaited All-Star Game.
The regular season will draw to a close on April 13, making way for the NBA Play-In Tournament from April 15-18. This exciting format continues to add drama and competition for the final playoff spots before the NBA Playoffs officially commence on April 19.
As the NBA calendar moves forward, fans around the world are gearing up for what is bound to be another exhilarating season of basketball. The 2024-25 season promises to deliver unforgettable moments, thrilling matchups, and the high-level competition that basketball enthusiasts have come to love.