The beginning of the 2024-25 NBA season is quickly approaching.
Three months after the Celtics were crowned NBA champions, they’ll begin their title defense with several teams aiming to take the crown. Boston’s title defense is just one of many exciting 2024-25 storylines, including an intriguing rookie class, coaching changes and familiar faces in new places.
Fortunately for NBA fans, opening night of the 2024-25 season will prominently feature each of the above storylines. After a busy offseason in the NBA, when does the 2024-25 season get underway?
Here is everything you need to know about the start of the upcoming campaign.
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When does the NBA season start?
The 2024-25 NBA season starts on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Opening night of the 2024-25 season is aligned with last season’s opening night as it falls on the fourth Tuesday in October. The season begins four days after the 2024 NBA preseason concludes on Friday, Oct. 18.
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Opening night schedule for 2024-25 NBA season
Opening night of the 2024-25 season features a doubleheader of high-profile matchups, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The schedule begins with the ring night ceremony for the defending champion Celtics, who will host the Knicks. The two-game slate concludes with a meeting between the Lakers and Timberwolves.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Tuesday, Oct. 22 | Knicks at Celtics | TBD | TBD |
| Tuesday, Oct. 22 | Timberwolves at Lakers | TBD | TBD |
Based on recent years, opening night festivities will air on TNT, with tip-off times likely coming around 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
The first matchup sees Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and the Celtics raise the franchise’s record 18th NBA championship banner to the TD Garden rafters. Mikal Bridges will make his Knicks debut alongside college teammates Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart while All-Star Julius Randle returns to the floor after missing the last three months of the 2023-24 season and the entirety of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
In Game 2, JJ Redick will make his NBA head coaching debut as he leads LeBron James, Anthony Davis and a roster that also features rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James Jr. Led by Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Wolves will look to open the season with a statement after coming up short in last year’s Western Conference Finals.