The NBA has officially released the full schedule for the 2024-25 regular season, generating excitement among basketball fans worldwide. While only 80 out of each team’s 82 games were announced initially, with the final two games to be determined based on their performance in the NBA Cup, the schedule is now set in stone. From opening night matchups to Christmas Day games and key rivalry meetings, the NBA calendar for the upcoming season is packed with thrilling games and storylines.
Opening Night and Key Dates
The 2024-25 season will kick off on Oct. 22, with the regular season concluding on April 13. The NBA Cup group stage, previously known as the In-Season Tournament, will commence on Nov. 12 and will run every Tuesday and Friday through Dec. 3. The semifinals and championship game for the NBA Cup will take place on Dec. 14 and Dec. 17, adding an extra layer of competition and excitement to the season. All-Star Weekend is scheduled for Feb. 14-16 in San Francisco, with the Play-In Tournament set for April 15-18, leading up to the start of the playoffs on April 19.
One of the most anticipated matchups of opening night will see the New York Knicks facing off against the Boston Celtics, a classic rivalry game that promises to set the tone for the season. Additionally, the Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Los Angeles Lakers in another exciting opening night matchup, showcasing star power and intense competition right from the start.
Christmas Day Showdowns
Christmas Day is always a special occasion in the NBA, featuring marquee matchups that captivate audiences around the world. This year, fans can look forward to a lineup of games that includes the San Antonio Spurs facing off against the New York Knicks, the Minnesota Timberwolves taking on the Dallas Mavericks, the Philadelphia 76ers battling the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers squaring off against the Golden State Warriors, and the Denver Nuggets challenging the Phoenix Suns. These Christmas Day games are sure to provide plenty of entertainment and excitement for basketball fans everywhere.
Rivalry Week and Key Matchups
Rivalry Week will make a return to the NBA calendar, featuring 10 nationally televised games that showcase classic and budding rivalries across the league. From Jan. 21 to Jan. 25, fans can look forward to matchups like the New York Knicks vs. the Brooklyn Nets, the Boston Celtics vs. the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Golden State Warriors, among others. These games are not to be missed, as they are sure to bring out the competitive spirit and intensity that defines NBA rivalries.
In addition to Rivalry Week, several key matchups throughout the season will draw attention and excitement from fans. Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay Area to face the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 12, the NBA Finals rematch between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 25, and the debut of top draft pick Zaccharie Risacher on Oct. 23 are just a few examples of the exciting matchups to look forward to in the upcoming season.
As the NBA gears up for another thrilling season of basketball action, fans can mark their calendars for these key dates and matchups that are sure to deliver excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments on the court. With a packed schedule of games, rivalries, and storylines, the 2024-25 NBA season promises to be one for the books.