The NBA’s quiet offseason is set to roar back to life with the promise of a gripping 2024-25 season. Following the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, basketball enthusiasts are already bubbling with excitement for what lies ahead. While October marks the start of most teams’ training camps, fans won’t have to wait that long to catch a glimpse of preseason action from the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets.
Early Birds: Celtics and Nuggets
Both teams will report earlier than most, with Media Day scheduled for September 24. The following day, September 25, they will hit the courts for the first practice sessions of the season. This accelerated schedule is due to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, where the Celtics and Nuggets will clash in a pair of preseason matchups on October 4 and 6 in the United Arab Emirates.
The rest of the league will follow suit a bit later, with general Media Day activities commencing on September 30. Training camps for all other teams are set to open on October 1, as they gear up for the fresh challenges of a new season.
Exciting Times Ahead: Key Dates
Mark your calendars, as the NBA will announce its complete 2024-25 regular-season schedule on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. The curtain will rise on the new season on October 22 with a night full of intrigue and excitement. Headlining the opening night, the Boston Celtics will celebrate their 2024 championship by raising their banner and receiving their rings before taking on the New York Knicks. The night will also feature marquee matchups between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Milwaukee Bucks facing off against the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
The action continues on October 23, when the Phoenix Suns lock horns with the Los Angeles Clippers, marking the Clippers’ first regular-season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome. Fans eager to see their favorite teams and players will have plenty of must-watch games early in the season. For instance, the Dallas Mavericks have a noteworthy contest against the Golden State Warriors on November 12, featuring the return of Klay Thompson to the Bay Area.
Rivalries and Rematches
The 2024 Finals rematch between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks is slated for January 25 in Dallas. The two teams will meet again on February 6 in Boston, which coincides with the NBA Trade Deadline. This period is always filled with suspense and potential reshuffling of rosters as teams look to fine-tune before the playoffs.
Beyond regular season play, fans can look forward to other key events. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend is scheduled for October 12-13, celebrating the contributions and legacies of basketball legends. Moreover, NBA All-Star Weekend will take center stage in San Francisco from February 14-16, bringing together the league’s brightest stars for a spectacle of skill and entertainment.
Season’s End and Playoff Push
The regular season will wind down on April 13, setting the stage for the intense competition of the NBA Play-In Tournament from April 15-18. Successful teams from the Play-In Tournament will then transition into the NBA Playoffs, which commence on April 19. It’s an annual journey that promises drama, triumph, and a relentless quest for the ultimate prize in basketball.
As teams prepare to embark on this rigorous journey, fans can begin to sense the buzz that precedes another unforgettable NBA season. With early preseason action from the Celtics and Nuggets and an array of compelling matchups on opening night, the stage is set for another chapter of basketball excellence.