With the 2024 Paris Olympics now behind us, the NBA calendar moves into a quieter phase. However, the anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season is already mounting, with several key dates and events drawing attention as teams prepare for what is expected to be a thrilling season.
Early Start for Celtics and Nuggets
Most NBA teams will kick off their training camps in October, but the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are on an accelerated schedule. Both teams will report for practice on September 25, ahead of their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games. These preseason matchups in the United Arab Emirates will see the Celtics and Nuggets face off on October 4 and 6, in what should be an exciting preview of the talent and form they'll bring into the regular season.
Before hitting the courts in Abu Dhabi, the Celtics and Nuggets will have their Media Day on September 24, a day ahead of their first practice session. The rest of the NBA teams will start their media obligations on September 30, followed by the commencement of their training camps on October 1.
Key Dates on the NBA Calendar
The NBA will unveil its complete schedule for the 2024-25 regular season on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, a moment eagerly awaited by fans and teams alike. The 2024-25 NBA season officially opens on October 22, marked by the Boston Celtics raising their 2024 championship banner and receiving their rings before hosting the New York Knicks. The opening night also features high-stakes matchups, including a clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as a showdown between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
On October 23, the action continues with the Phoenix Suns facing the Los Angeles Clippers. This game is particularly noteworthy as it will be the Clippers' first regular season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome. The excitement of a new venue combined with a formidable opponent like the Suns sets the stage for a memorable night.
Highlight Matchups of the Season
The season is filled with matchups that promise to deliver riveting basketball. One such game is the November 12 meeting between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors. This matchup is significant as Klay Thompson will return to the Bay Area, adding an emotional layer to an already highly-anticipated game.
Fans will also be looking forward to January 25 when the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks meet in Dallas. This will be their first encounter since the 2024 Finals, rekindling the competitive fire between the two teams. They will go head-to-head again on February 6 in Boston, a date that coincides with the NBA Trade Deadline at 3 p.m. ET.
Special Events and Milestones
Beyond regular season games, several special events are on the horizon. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend is scheduled for October 12-13, honoring the legends of the sport. Moving into the new year, NBA All-Star Weekend will take place from February 14-16 in San Francisco, offering a mid-season spectacle for fans to enjoy.
The Road to the Playoffs
As the season progresses, the intensity will build towards the April 13 conclusion of the regular season. Following this, the NBA Play-In Tournament will run from April 15-18, giving teams a last shot at securing their playoff spots. The NBA Playoffs themselves will start on April 19, marking the beginning of the battle for the championship.
With a host of exciting matchups, early starts for some teams, and special events punctuating the season, the 2024-25 NBA season promises to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. As teams prepare through training camps and preseason games, fans are left counting down the days until the action resumes on the hardwood.