NBA schedule 2024-25: Christmas matches, All-star Game, more

The NBA schedule for 2024-25 has been unveiled! The regular season begins Oct. 22 with the defending champions Boston Celtics hosting the New York Knicks, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves visiting LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers./p>

br/>All other teams begin their campaigns Oct. 23. As the regular season nears, which debuts, star showdowns, reunions and playoff rematches are we most excited to watch?

Plenty of stars will don new jerseys next season -- most notably Klay Thompson with the Dallas Mavericks, Paul George with the Philadelphia 76ers, Mikal Bridges with the New York Knicks and DeMar DeRozan with the Sacramento Kings -- setting up some must-see reunions./p>

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Top rookies will face off, led by No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher vs. No. 2 pick Alex Sarrin October and Donovan Clingan vs. Zach Edey in a rematch of the 2024 NCAA title game in November.

Reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama will look to take the next step in his ascension to NBA superstardom. Meawhile, James will embark on his record-tying 22nd season in the league afterwinning an Olympic gold medal in Paris this summer.

Those are just some of the storylines we can't wait to watch play out in 2024-25. ESPN's NBA insiders break down the most anticipated games of the upcoming season, including when to watch Wemby, every big revenge game, the five-game Christmas Day slate and key matchups inside both Los Angeles arenas.

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NBA schedule FAQs

When does the NBA preseason begin?

The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggetsbegin training camp on Sept. 24 ahead of two preseason games in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 4 and 6. The rest of the teams start training camp Oct. 1 with preseason games running from Oct. 4 to Oct. 18.

When is NBA opening night?