The The full schedule for the 2024-25 NBA season was released ThursdayAction will be taken two months in advance. Opening night is set for October 22nd and will feature the defending champion Boston Celtics against their longtime rivals the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
As we look forward to what could be another exciting season, here are the 10 games we’re most looking forward to. For this exercise, we developed some ground rules:
- No team can feature more than twice
- Apart from the first final, there can be no games after Christmas
- Only one game per night
Oct. 22: Knicks at Celtics
This should be very clear. For one thing, it’s the first game of the season, which is always an important event regardless of which teams are playing. This year’s opener will be a bigger event than usual, as the Celtics celebrate Ring Night against the Knicks — not just a historic rival, but one of the main threats to their throne.
October 23: Bucks at Sixers
The 2023-24 season got off to an early start for both the Bucks and Sixers, who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs due to injuries. Both teams will be looking to bounce back and challenge for the title and this season opener will be a great test. Also, we could see another Giannis Antetokounmpo-Joel Embiid battle and Paul George’s Sixers debut.
The Grizzlies and Rockets are two of the most intriguing teams this season. The Grizzlies will have Za Morant back, and if they stay healthy, they could make some real noise in the Western Conference. The Rockets, meanwhile, will be hoping to do the same if their young core continues to show promise. This opening week clash will be an early indication of where the two teams stand.
Victor Vembanyama ended up running away with Rookie of the Year last season, but it was a real race due to Sade Holmgren’s similarly outstanding season. When the Spurs travel to Oklahoma City on Oct. 30, two of the best young big men in the league will meet for the first time this new season, and it should be all kinds of fun.
Nov. 1: Nuggets at Timberwolves
Last season’s spectacular semifinal playoff series between these teams featured several swings until the Timberwolves stunned the defending champions again with a 20-point second half in Game 7. Nuggets should come with a little extra boost.
Klay Thompson’s departure after 13 years with the Warriors ultimately came as no surprise at the time. It will be strange to see him in a new jersey this season. His first trip back to the Bay Area with the Warriors is sure to be an emotional night.
November 15: Lakes at Spurs
A second Wembanyama game should be on the list, so why not the Spurs’ first against the Lakers? Vembanyama averaged 23.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, five assists, 3.3 steals and 4.3 blocks against LeBron James and Co. last season, and he will play in this game. Notably, it will be the first time he faces James and Anthony Davis since the US team beat France to win the gold medal in Paris.
November 22: Pacers at Bucks
There aren’t many true rivalries in the NBA, but the feud between the Pacers and Bucks certainly qualifies. Between the in-season tournament, regular season and playoffs, they met 11 times last season, with plenty of dramatic moments along the way. These teams legitimately don’t like each other, and the first meeting this season could be filled with fireworks.
December 25: Lakers at Warriors
We finally got to see LeBron James and Steph Curry take the court together as teammates during the Paris Olympics, and they combined for some dazzling performances to bring home the gold for Team USA. Now, they will be back as rivals and will meet on Christmas Day this season. Unfortunately, there won’t be many clashes between two of the greatest players of not just this generation, but of all time. We should enjoy them while we can.
Jan. 25: Celtics at Mavericks
Again, this is obvious. It’s a shame we have to wait until late January for our first Finals appearance of the season, but the silver lining is that Kristaps Porzingis is healthy. Most of the key players on both teams are still there, along with some new faces, most notably Klay Thompson.
