of The full schedule for the 2024-25 NBA season was released Thursday.The opening game will take place on October 22nd, just two months before kickoff, and will feature the reigning champion Boston Celtics facing off against longtime rivals New York Knicks, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As we wait for another exciting season, here are the 10 matches we’re most looking forward to: For the purposes of this exercise, we’ve created some ground rules.
No team may play more than twice No matches, except for a rematch of the first final, may be played after Christmas Only one match per night
October 22: Knicks vs. Celtics
This should be pretty obvious. First, it’s the first game of the season, which is always a big event, regardless of which teams are playing. This year’s opening game will be even bigger than usual because the Celtics will be celebrating ring night with the Knicks. Not only are the Knicks a historic rival, but they are also one of the main threats to the Celtics’ championship.
October 23: Bucks vs. Sixers
The 2023-24 season came to an early end for both the Bucks and 76ers, who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs due to injuries. Both teams are expected to bounce back and challenge for a title, so the season opener will be a great test. Plus, we’ll get to see a showdown between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid, as well as Paul George’s 76ers debut.
The Grizzlies and Rockets are two of the most intriguing teams this season. The Grizzlies could do big things in the Western Conference if Ja Morant returns and stays healthy, while the Rockets could do the same if their young core continues to perform to their potential. The opening week showdown will provide a quick indication of where both teams stand.
Victor Wembanyama won Rookie of the Year last season by a long shot, but with Chet Holmgren also having a great season, the race has been tight for some time. When the Spurs visit Oklahoma City on October 30, there will be a lot of excitement as two of the league’s best young big men meet for the first time this new season.
Nov. 1: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves
Last season’s intriguing semifinal playoff series between the two teams saw the momentum change multiple times before the Timberwolves stunned the defending champions with a 20-point comeback late in Game 7. This will be the first rematch between the two teams, and the Nuggets will be extra motivated going into it.
Klay Thompson’s departure after 13 years with the Warriors wasn’t a surprise at the time, after all. Still, it will be strange to see him in a new jersey this season. His first trip back to the Bay Area with the Warriors will surely be an emotional night.
November 15: Lakers vs Spurs
There’s bound to be a second game for Wembanyama on the list, so why not include the Spurs-Lakers opener? Wembanyama will be playing in this one too, having averaged 23.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3.3 steals and 4.3 blocks against LeBron James and co. last season, especially since it will be his first time facing James and Anthony Davis since the U.S. national team beat France to win the gold medal in Paris.
November 22: Pacers vs Bucks
There aren’t many true rivalries left in the NBA, but the Pacers-Bucks feud certainly fits the bill. Between in-season tournaments, the regular season and playoffs, the two teams faced off 11 times last season, creating plenty of dramatic moments along the way. The two teams truly dislike each other, and sparks could fly in their first matchup of the season.
December 25: Lakers vs. Warriors
At the Paris Olympics, we finally got to see LeBron James and Stephen Curry on the court as teammates, with their incredible performances bringing Team USA the gold medal. Now they’ll meet again as rivals and face off this Christmas season. Unfortunately, there may not be many more matches left between the two greatest players of not only this generation, but of all time. So enjoy them while you can.
January 25: Celtics vs Mavericks
This much is clear: It’s unfortunate that we have to wait until late January for the first Finals rematch of the season, but the good news is that Kristaps Porzingis is healthy. Most of the core players on both teams are still with the team, along with a few new faces, including Klay Thompson.
