The 2024-25 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in recent history, with intense rivalries, exciting player transfers, and fresh young talent all contributing to the buzz. Whether you are a dedicated fan or a casual viewer, the upcoming season has plenty in store for everyone. From the season opener to key events like the NBA Play-In Tournament and international games in Mexico City and Paris, the basketball world will be watching closely as teams battle for the championship.
Here’s your complete guide to the 2024-25 NBA season, including the schedule, title favorites, key players, and how you can watch all the action.
When Does the 2024-25 NBA Season Start?
The 2024-25 NBA season officially tips off on October 22, 2024, with an exciting opening night matchup between the New York Knicks and the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, at TD Garden in Boston. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM local time (23:30 GMT).
This marks the beginning of an 82-game season for each of the 30 NBA teams, running through April 13, 2025, after which the postseason will commence. Teams will battle throughout the regular season to secure playoff spots, culminating in the much-anticipated NBA Finals in June 2025.
Key Dates for the 2024-25 NBA Season
In addition to the regular season games, the 2024-25 NBA schedule is packed with exciting events that fans should look out for:
- October 22, 2024: NBA regular season begins.
- November 2, 2024: NBA Mexico City Game – Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards.
- November 12, 2024: Emirates NBA Cup (In-Season Tournament) begins.
- December 17, 2024: Emirates NBA Cup Championship.
- January 23 & 25, 2025: NBA Paris Games – San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers.
- February 6, 2025: NBA trade deadline.
- February 14-16, 2025: NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, California.
- April 13, 2025: NBA regular season concludes.
- April 15-18, 2025: NBA Play-In Tournament.
- April 19, 2025: NBA Playoffs begin.
- June 2025: NBA Finals (exact dates to be determined).
Title Favorites for the 2024-25 NBA Season
Heading into the season, several teams are viewed as top contenders for the championship. Let’s take a look at the favorites in each conference.
Eastern Conference: Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics, fresh off their 2024 NBA Championship win, are the clear favorites to defend their title. With a powerhouse roster led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Celtics have proven to be one of the most formidable teams in the league. Their depth and defensive tenacity make them the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
Other Eastern Conference contenders include the New York Knicks, who strengthened their roster with the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Philadelphia 76ers, who formed a potent “Big Three” with the offseason acquisition of Paul George to play alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Western Conference: Oklahoma City Thunder
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as strong title contenders. With the team’s centerpiece, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), coming off a remarkable season, the Thunder are primed to make a deep playoff run. SGA is expected to be a top contender for the NBA MVP award this season.
Close behind are other Western Conference powerhouses such as the Denver Nuggets, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Phoenix Suns, led by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, also pose a serious threat to the Thunder’s championship aspirations.
Three Trending Storylines to Follow
As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds, several intriguing storylines will dominate the headlines:
1. LeBron and Bronny James: The First Father-Son Duo in the NBA
All eyes will be on the Los Angeles Lakers as fans await the historic moment when LeBron James and his son, Bronny James, take the court together. This would mark the first time in NBA history that a father and son have played together on the same team. The Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves could be the moment when history is made.
2. The MVP Race: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Luka Dončić
The battle for the 2024-25 MVP award is expected to be a thrilling one, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić as the frontrunners. Both players posted impressive stats last season, with SGA averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds, and Dončić putting up 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds. Their teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks, are both in contention for the Western Conference crown, adding extra excitement to this MVP race.
3. Teams Tanking for Cooper Flagg
The 2025 NBA Draft is already generating buzz, with Cooper Flagg, a 17-year-old small forward, projected as the consensus number one pick. Flagg, who recently committed to Duke University, is regarded as the most hyped rookie prospect since LeBron James in 2003. As a result, several struggling NBA teams may resort to “tanking” to increase their chances of landing the top draft pick and potentially securing a franchise-changing player.
Key Offseason Player Moves
Two major player transfers during the offseason have reshaped the landscape of the NBA:
1. Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers made headlines by signing Paul George as a free agent, creating a new “Big Three” alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. George’s arrival strengthens the 76ers’ title hopes, as he brings elite shooting, passing, and defensive skills to the team. With this lineup, Philadelphia is poised to be one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks
The New York Knicks made a blockbuster trade, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Towns, a four-time All-Star, joins point guard Jalen Brunson to form a dynamic duo that Knicks fans hope will lead the team to its first NBA championship since 1973.
How to Watch the 2024-25 NBA Season
Fans can watch the 2024-25 NBA season in several ways, both domestically and internationally:
- NBA League Pass: The best option for fans looking to watch out-of-market games, NBA League Pass offers live coverage, access to NBA TV, and on-demand replays.
- Local Broadcasts: Most NBA teams have regional sports network deals, so check your local listings for coverage of your favorite team’s games.
- International Games: Special international matchups, such as the NBA Mexico City Game and the NBA Paris Games, will be broadcast globally on various platforms.
Additionally, basketball fans can follow the latest news and live commentary on selected games via Al Jazeera’s dedicated basketball page.
The 2024-25 NBA season is set to be a captivating one, filled with intense competition, legendary milestones, and plenty of drama. From the high-profile MVP race to the possibility of LeBron and Bronny James playing together, there’s no shortage of exciting storylines to follow.
Whether you’re rooting for the reigning champion Boston Celtics, the rising Oklahoma City Thunder, or another team entirely, this season promises to deliver unforgettable moments. Don’t miss a second of the action—be sure to tune in through NBA League Pass or local broadcasts, and keep an eye on Al Jazeera for live updates throughout the season.
