The 2024-25 NBA season is just around the corner, promising an exciting lineup of games and events for basketball fans. Here’s everything you need to know about the season start, key dates, teams, and notable players.
Season Start Date
The NBA regular season will tip off on October 22, 2024. The opening night features two highly anticipated matchups:
- Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 p.m. ET (TNT)
Complete Schedule Highlights
The regular season will consist of 82 games for each of the 30 teams, wrapping up on April 13, 2025. Here are some key dates to mark on your calendar:
Date | Event |
---|---|
September 25 | Training Camp Begins |
October 4 & 6 | Abu Dhabi Games (Celtics vs. Nuggets) |
October 22 | Regular Season Begins |
November 2 | NBA Mexico City Games |
November 12 | Emirates NBA Cup Begins |
December 25 | Christmas Day Games |
February 16 | NBA All-Star Game (San Francisco) |
April 15-18 | NBA Play-In Tournament |
April 19 | NBA Playoffs Begin |
Notable Teams and Players
The Boston Celtics enter the season as defending champions and favorites to repeat, having bolstered their roster during the offseason. Other teams to watch include:
- New York Knicks: Strengthened their lineup and are looking to make a deep playoff run.
- Dallas Mavericks: With star player Luka Dončić leading the charge, they aim for championship contention.
- Los Angeles Lakers: Featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they are always a formidable presence in the league.
Important Players to Watch
Several players are expected to make significant impacts this season:
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics): Coming off a stellar playoff performance, Tatum aims to lead his team to another title.
- Luka Dončić (Mavericks): The young star continues to impress with his all-around game and scoring ability.
- LeBron James (Lakers): As one of the greatest players in NBA history, LeBron remains a key figure in the league.
- Joel Embiid (76ers): The reigning MVP will look to elevate Philadelphia’s chances in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Additional Information
Fans can catch the action through various broadcasters, including ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. The primary service for live games is the NBA League Pass, which offers access to all games throughout the season.
With training camps already underway and preseason games set to begin soon, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exhilarating NBA season filled with thrilling matchups and standout performances.