The 2024-25 NBA season is set to tip off in style on October 22, as the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, will raise their championship banner at TD Garden in front of a packed house before taking on the New York Knicks.
This highly anticipated matchup will be part of an opening-day doubleheader that also features the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Anthony Edwards will face off against his 2024 Olympic teammates, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The NBA’s official schedule release has sparked excitement across the league, with fans and analysts eagerly anticipating key dates and matchups. Here’s a breakdown of what to look forward to in the 2024-25 season:
Key Dates for the 2024-25 NBA Season
– October 22: Start of the regular season
– November 12: Emirates NBA Cup begins
– December 14: NBA Cup semifinals
– December 17: NBA Cup championship
– February 6: NBA trade deadline (3 p.m. ET)
– February 14-16: All-Star Weekend
– April 13: Final day of the regular season
– April 15-18: NBA Play-In Tournament
– April 19: NBA Playoffs begin
Eastern Conference Storylines
The Boston Celtics, led by head coach Joe Mazzulla, enter the season as the defending champions with a roster that remains among the best in the NBA. However, the team will start the season without big man Kristaps Porziņģis, who underwent surgery in June for a leg injury. Despite this, the Celtics are expected to be strong contenders once again, with the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers made headlines by acquiring Paul George, a nine-time All-Star, from the Los Angeles Clippers. This move was critical for the Sixers, who are looking to keep pace with the Celtics and Knicks in the competitive Eastern Conference. The Knicks also bolstered their roster by adding Mikal Bridges, making them a formidable contender.
Western Conference Dynamics
The Western Conference promises to be a gauntlet, with at least 12 teams vying for playoff spots. The Dallas Mavericks, who surprised many with a deep playoff run last season, made a splash by signing Klay Thompson to join Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. While questions remain about their defensive capabilities, this trio could present significant challenges for opposing teams.
The Golden State Warriors, determined not to fall behind after losing Thompson, added Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton to improve their roster around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Thompson’s return to Chase Center as a visiting player with the Mavericks on November 12 will be one of the most anticipated games of the season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished as the top seed in the West last season, strengthened their lineup with the acquisitions of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. With a starting five that includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, the Thunder are poised for another strong campaign.
LeBron James remains the face of the Los Angeles Lakers, and this season brings the potential for one of the most heartwarming stories in sports—LeBron playing alongside his son, Bronny James. The Lakers will be led by first-time head coach JJ Redick, who will bring a fresh perspective to the storied franchise. All eyes will be on LeBron as he continues to defy age and chase more milestones in his legendary career.
With the league’s new collective bargaining agreement introducing apron restrictions, teams like the Clippers and Nuggets had to make tough decisions in free agency. The Clippers’ decision to lowball Paul George resulted in his move to the 76ers, while the Nuggets, too, lost key players to stay under the second apron. These moves will have significant impacts on the balance of power in both conferences.
