We are getting closer to the start of the 2024-25 NBA season with bits and pieces of the NBA schedule being released. The Christmas Day matchups have already been revealed , with Shams Charania now revealing the two games we'll see on October 22, the opening night for next season.
The Boston Celtics will receive their NBA Championship rings at the TD Garden with the New York Knicks in attendance, while the West sees LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers take on a potential future face of the NBA, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
All four teams are expected to be competitive, but the Lakers seem a few steps behind the other three, who can be considered title contenders this season. They'll have the hardest matchup and will likely face another top-tier team in their opening weekend matchups. Nonetheless, JJ Redick can announce himself as an elite coach by leading the Lakers to a win where they'll likely be the underdogs.
The Wolves are bringing in a squad mostly similar to their Western Conference Finals run from last season, with the addition of draft pick Rob Dillingham. The franchise is hoping Edwards can be a title-winning No. 1 option this season, as the 22-year-old established himself as an All-NBA player last year.
The Celtics have had a victorious summer with their title win and three players on the squad winning Gold at the Olympics. However, it'll be interesting to see if Jayson Tatum getting multiple DNPs and Jaylen Brown not getting selected for Team USA will lead to any issues on the squad that should be the hands-on favorite to win another title.
The Knicks will likely see Mikal Bridges make his debut for the franchise after two years of rumors about him joining his college teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo on the squad. Now that the Knicks have paid a heavy price for Bridges , they'll want the investment to lead to a marquee win on opening night.
These are two incredible matchups, with the Knicks getting a chance to prove their status as contenders next season by ruining ring night for the Celtics. Meanwhile, Team USA teammates LeBron, Davis, and Edwards face off in an exciting West opener.
Other Major Matchups Announced
Charania has also shared information on multiple other major matchups throughout the season.
The Los Angeles Clippers will open their new home arena, the Intuit Dome. by hosting Gold-medalists Devin Booker and Kevin Durant as the Phoenix Suns come over to help them make history on October 23. The same day will also feature the Philadelphia 76ers debut of Paul George as they face the Milwaukee Bucks in a heavyweight Eastern Conference matchup.
Some major Mavericks matchups have been revealed as well, with the franchise being given their NBA Finals rematch with the Celtics not taking place this year. Their first matchup will be a home game for Dallas on January 25, 2025, before the return game is played in Boston on February 6, 2025, which is also trade deadline day for next season.
Klay Thompson will make his return to the Bay Area when the Mavericks travel to face the Golden State Warriors on November 12, a matchup that will likely be a part of the In-Season Tournament.
Related: Anthony Edwards Gets Real On Playing Alongside LeBron James And Kevin Durant For Team USA
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