2024-25 NBA Schedule Announced; 10 Must-Watch Games

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The road to the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA season is underway. Following the release of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup (In-Season Tournament) earlier in the week, the NBA released the schedules for the 2024-25 season for all 30 NBA teams Thursday afternoon. With a lot of big moves occurring during the 2024 offseason, there are numerous must-watch games this upcoming season.

Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors: November 12, 2024

One of the biggest moves of the 2024 offseason, Klay Thompson left the Golden State Warriors after over a dozen years with the organization following a tumultuous 2023-24 season that saw him shoot 0-10 in his final game in a Warriors jersey. On November 12th, Thompson will return to The Bay for the first time in an opposing team’s jersey. Thompson is expected to get a tribute for the ages having spent so long with the team and accomplishing so much during the Warriors’ dynasty run. This game will also take place during the first night of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup.

Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks: October 25, 2024

Taking place during opening week of the 2024-25 season, the Indiana Pacers will travel to New York to play the Knicks in a rematch from the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The series between the two teams would go to seven games with injuries untimely injuries costing the Knicks their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in over 20 years. Blossoming into a true rivalry over the course of the series, there is no love between the two franchises and their fanbases. The rivalry would continue during the 2024 offseason when Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton would have a face-off during an episode of WWE SmackDown that was being held at Madison Square Garden.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Clippers: November 6, 2024

While Klay Thompson leaving the Warriors was one of the most shocking moves of the 2024 free agency period, the first big move was made by Paul George, who left the Los Angeles Clippers to join the Philadelphia 76ers. Many reports would come out following the move, with PG himself discussing the situation on his podcast. During his time with the team, the Clippers did not see much success other than a single appearance in the Western Conference Finals in 2021. PG’s decision to leave the Clippers would come down to money and years on his deal. On November 6th, George will return to Los Angeles for the first time since leaving the team. Given the lack of success during his time with the team, it will be interesting to see what kind of reaction Paul George receives.

Boston Celtics vs Dallas Mavericks: January 25, 2025

Basketball fans will have to wait until 2025 to see a rematch of the 2024 NBA Finals. Following a run to the NBA Finals and several players winning gold in the Olympics, Boston is looking to repeat as champions in 2025. It is unknown if big man Kristaps Porzingis will be back in action following an off-season surgery. The team has remained virtually the same while Dallas has bolstered their roster to compete for a championship in the stacked Western Conference. In addition to adding Klay Thompson to form a big three alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Dallas added several notable role players in Naji Marshall, Quentin Grimes, and Spencer Dinwiddie. Looking to prove their run to the Finals was not a fluke, facing the Celtics in this January matchup will be the perfect opportunity to show this.

Chicago Bulls vs Sacramento Kings: January 12, 2025

While the Chicago Bulls have not been one of the most exciting teams in the league over the last couple of seasons, it is expected there will be some big changes during the season, with many believing star Zach Lavine could be traded before the 2025 trade deadline. While Lavine could be gone by the time this game happens, the reason for this game being a must-watch is the return of DeMar DeRozan to Chicago. Over the three seasons he spent in Chicago, DeRozan was seen as the MVP of the team, becoming a two-time All-Star during his time there. Chicago was unable to retain DeRozan, ultimately sending him to the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade. DeRozan is expected to get a hero’s welcome in what may be one of the best moments of the season for Bulls fans who are expecting a full rebuild to commence.

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks: October 22, 2024

A matchup that very well may have been the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals if not for injuries, opening night of the 2024-25 season will see a matchup between the Celtics and Knicks. While Boston has maintained their championship roster, the Knicks have bolstered theirs to become an even bigger threat in the Eastern Conference. Adding Mikal Bridges in one of the biggest trades of the offseason, the Knicks are looking to build upon their great 2023-24 season. The opening night matchup will also see Boston’s 18th banner raised as they receive their rings.

NBA Cup Championship Game: December 17, 2024

The inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament was seen as an overall success, but there were still some criticisms of the overall concept. The courts were the main source of criticism while the calls made by referees over the course of the tournament were another big source of criticism. The tournament brought in more viewers compared to the same time during the previous season, with the tournament looking like it will become a mainstay in the NBA for years to come. The second NBA Cup Championship game will once again take place in Las Vegas. The first championship game saw the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Indiana Pacers 123-109.

Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves: November 1, 2024

In the second week of the 2024-25 NBA season, fans will see a rematch of one of the most exciting series from the 2024 playoffs. The Denver Nuggets will travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves had a tremendous 2023-24 season, finishing as the third seed in the West. The Wolves are on the rise heading into the 2024-25 season as there are many questions about the Nuggets future after losing another key piece from their championship roster. The matchup will be a key opportunity to establish themselves as a serious threat in the West the conference has only gotten better this offseason.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks: November 17, 2024

Following a tremendous 2023-24 season that saw them jump from the 9th seed losing in the play-in tournament to finishing the season as the first seed, the Thunder went from a young team to a legitimate contender. Losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals in six games, the Thunder are ready to take the next step. Unfortunately for the Thunder, the NBA schedule makers did not put them on the schedule during marquee nights including opening night and Christmas day. A big match for the Thunder early in the season would be a rematch of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Mavericks on November 17th. This game will not only be a test for the Thunder looking to prove last season was not a fluke, but also the perfect game to show they belong on national TV with the other contenders.

NBA Christmas Day: December 25, 2024

One of the most exciting nights of the NBA season, the Christmas Day games never disappoint. Kicking off the NBA Christmas Day sleight will be the San Antonio Spurs playing the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. This will be the first of many Christmas Day games for Victor Wembanyama. The second game will see a rematch of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves in Dallas. The Philadelphia 76ers will head to Boston to face the Celtics in the third game of the night. In what may very well be their last Christmas Day game matchup, LeBron and the Lakers will play Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. The final game of the night will see the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns play for the second time on Christmas Day in three years.