With the 2024 Paris Olympics concluded, the NBA calendar has entered a relatively serene phase, but excitement is already simmering for what promises to be a thrilling 2024-25 season. As most teams prepare to kick off their training camps in October, all eyes are on the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, who are set to begin their preseason preparations earlier than the rest.
Celtics and Nuggets Head Start
Both the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets will report for training camp on September 25. This accelerated schedule is tied to their participation in the NBA Abu Dhabi games, where they will clash in a pair of preseason matchups. These games are slated for October 4 and 6 in the United Arab Emirates.
Game preparation starts even before training camp opens. On September 24, the Celtics and Nuggets will engage in Media Day activities, a precursor to the official beginning of their intense practice sessions. The rest of the league will follow suit with media obligations on September 30, and their training camps will commence on October 1.
Kick-off to the Regular Season
The NBA has promised to unveil the complete schedule for the 2024-25 regular season on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. However, some key dates have already generated substantial buzz. Opening night is scheduled for October 22, a monumental day for the Boston Celtics as they will raise their 2024 championship banner and receive their rings before hosting a matchup against the New York Knicks.
Opening night plans are not confined to Boston. In addition to the Celtics-Knicks tilt, the Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Milwaukee Bucks will battle the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia, setting the stage for an exciting start to the season.
Key Early-Season Contests
On October 23, the Phoenix Suns are set to face off against the Los Angeles Clippers. This game marks a historic occasion as it will be the Clippers' first regular-season game at their new home, the Intuit Dome. The early-season schedule is packed with marquee matchups that promise to set the tone for the rest of the NBA year.
November 12 brings another highlight, with the Dallas Mavericks squaring off against the Golden State Warriors. This game is particularly notable for the return of Klay Thompson to the Bay Area, adding an extra layer of emotion and excitement to the contest.
Rivalries and Rematches
Fans eagerly awaiting a rematch of the 2024 NBA Finals will not have to wait long. The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks will meet on January 25 in Dallas. Their rivalry will be renewed in Boston on February 6, a date that also coincides with the NBA Trade Deadline, set for 3 p.m. ET.
Hall of Fame and All-Star Highlights
October 12-13 will be a special weekend for basketball aficionados as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend takes place. This event will honor the achievements and contributions of basketball’s greatest and introduce a fresh class of legends.
Another major highlight on the NBA calendar is the All-Star Weekend, slated for February 14-16 in San Francisco. This event promises to bring together the sport's top talent for an action-packed and entertaining experience for fans and players alike.
Season's End and Playoffs
The NBA's regular season will culminate on April 13, with the play-in tournament scheduled from April 15-18. Following this, the highly anticipated NBA Playoffs will commence on April 19, marking the start of the journey to crown the next league champion.
With the NBA's calendar brimming with key dates and exciting matchups, the stage is set for a memorable 2024-25 season. Fans and teams alike are gearing up for a year filled with anticipation, drama, and top-tier basketball action.