The new NBA season is already upon us, and basketball fans are in for a sure treat. In our comprehensive 2024/2025 NBA season preview, we will get you hyped up for what's to come. So kit up and let's sprint around the key (pun intended) aspects you should keep an eye on as we approach the new season.
Key Dates and Schedule Highlights
The 2024/2025 NBA season kicks off with a bang on October 22, 2024. NBA Opening Night features two thrilling matchups: the defending champion Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves taking on the Los Angeles Lakers. Both games will air on TNT.
Also, mark your calendars for these other important dates:
- November 2, 2024: NBA Mexico City Game (Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards)
- November 12, 2024: Emirates NBA Cup (formerly In-Season Tournament) begins
- Dec. 17, 2024: Emirates NBA Cup Championship
- December 25, 2024: Christmas Day games featuring marquee matchups
- January 23 and 25, 2025: NBA Paris Games (Spurs vs. Pacers)
- February 6, 2025: NBA Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET)
- February 14-16, 2025: NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco
- April 13, 2025: Regular season concludes
- April 15-18, 2025: NBA Play-In Tournament
- April 19, 2025: NBA Playoffs begin
Teams to Watch
The Boston Celtics, coming off their championship win, remain the team to beat in the East. However, keep a close eye on the Oklahoma City Thunder, who made significant off-season moves by adding Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets will aim to defend their title, but face stiff competition. The Dallas Mavericks, bolstered by the addition of sharpshooter Klay Thompson, could make waves. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, led by their aging stars, are looking for one last shot at glory.
Don't sleep on up-and-coming teams like the Orlando Magic and the San Antonio Spurs. With young talent like Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama respectively, these teams could surprise many this season.
Player Transfers
The off-season saw some noteworthy player transfers that could shake up the league. The Philadelphia 76ers made a splash by adding Paul George to their roster, significantly upgrading their wing position. The Sacramento Kings brought in veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan, which should boost their offensive capabilities, especially in clutch scenarios.
One of the most intriguing moves involves Chris Paul joining the San Antonio Spurs. At 39, Paul will team up with 20-year-old phenom Victor Wembanyama and we can only imagine the plays the duo will produce. Pray for the Rims, because Lob City might just be back.
Milestones to Watch
The 2024/2025 season promises several historic milestones:
- LeBron James: On track to become the first NBA player to reach 50,000 combined regular-season and postseason points. He's also closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record for most regular-season minutes played.
- Stephen Curry: Aiming to become the first player to hit 4,000 career three-pointers, further cementing his legacy as the greatest shooter in NBA history.
- Kevin Durant: Needs just 76 points to reach 29,000 career points, likely achieving this milestone early in the season.
- Nikola Jokic: Just nine triple-doubles away from surpassing Magic Johnson for third all-time in this category.
- Chris Paul: Could overtake Jason Kidd for second place on the all-time assist leaderboard.
As we countdown to the opening tip-off, the stage is set for another thrilling NBA season. From the race for the championship to individual players chasing history, the 2024/2025 season promises to be one for the books. Who are you backing in the forthcoming campaign?