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NBA 2024-25 Opening Week: What to Expect

Photo of Nicky Nicky21/10/2024 - 07:22 am
Oldest NBA Player - LeBron James
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The NBA is back, and the 2024-25 season is set to tip off with electrifying matchups that have fans buzzing with anticipation. Leading the excitement is a thrilling fixture between the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, and the revitalized New York Knicks. The Knicks have made significant waves this summer, bolstering their roster with standout talents like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. These high-profile additions signal New York’s intent to ascend in the league standings, making their showdown with the Celtics a must-watch event.

Adding to the opening week’s allure is the debut of top draft picks such as Atlanta Hawks‘ Zaccharie Risacher and Washington Wizards‘ Alex Sarr. These promising newcomers are poised to make an immediate NBA impact, and fans are eager to see how they will adapt to the professional stage.

With powerhouse NBA teams clashing and fresh faces ready to shine, the opening week promises high-octane action and unforgettable moments. The blend of seasoned champions and ambitious contenders sets the stage for a captivating season ahead. Basketball enthusiasts won’t want to miss a second as the NBA ushers in a new chapter of thrilling competition.

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Opening Week Highlights and Schedule

Key Matchups for Opening Week

The NBA opening night clash between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics is one of the most anticipated games of the NBA 2024-25 season. Here’s why this matchup holds significant importance:

  • Reigning Champions vs. Revamped Contenders: The Celtics, entering the season as the reigning champions, are set to defend their title. The Knicks have made significant offseason moves, acquiring stars like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. This game will showcase how the new-look Knicks measure up against the established champions.
  • Historic Rivalry: Both teams have a storied NBA history and a fierce rivalry in the Eastern Conference. Opening the season with this matchup reignites the competitive spirit and sets the tone for both franchises.
  • Setting the Season’s Tone: An opening night victory could provide momentum. For the Knicks, defeating the champions would validate their offseason moves. For the Celtics, a win would reaffirm their dominance and ability to fend off emerging contenders.

When does the NBA start? Opening 15 Fixtures for NBA Week 1 (Oct 22 – Oct 27)

DateTime (EST)Away TeamHome TeamVenue
Tuesday, Oct 22
Oct 227:30 PM ESTNew York KnicksBoston CelticsTD Garden, Boston, MA
Oct 2210:00 PM ESTMinnesota TimberwolvesLos Angeles LakersCrypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, Oct 23
Oct 237:00 PM ESTIndiana PacersDetroit PistonsLittle Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Oct 237:30 PM ESTBrooklyn NetsAtlanta HawksState Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Oct 237:30 PM ESTOrlando MagicMiami HeatKaseya Center, Miami, FL
Oct 237:30 PM ESTMilwaukee BucksPhiladelphia 76ersWells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Oct 237:30 PM ESTCleveland CavaliersToronto RaptorsScotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Oct 238:00 PM ESTCharlotte HornetsHouston RocketsToyota Center, Houston, TX
Oct 238:00 PM ESTChicago BullsNew Orleans PelicansSmoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Oct 239:00 PM ESTMemphis GrizzliesUtah JazzDelta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Oct 2310:00 PM ESTPhoenix SunsLA ClippersIntuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
Oct 2310:00 PM ESTGolden State WarriorsPortland Trail BlazersModa Center, Portland, OR
Thursday, Oct 24
Oct 247:00 PM ESTBoston CelticsWashington WizardsCapital One Arena, Washington, DC
Oct 247:30 PM ESTSan Antonio SpursDallas MavericksAmerican Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Oct 2410:00 PM ESTOklahoma City ThunderDenver NuggetsBall Arena, Denver, CO
The NBA Opening Fixtures

Key Games to Watch Next Week

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers

  • Date & Time: Friday, October 25, 10:00 PM EST
  • Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
  • Why It’s Key: This game is a marquee Western Conference matchup featuring star-studded lineups. The Suns’ dynamic offense, led by Kevin Durant, goes head-to-head with the Lakers’ experienced roster, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The face-off between KD and LeBron is a battle for the ages, pitting two of the greatest players of their generation against each other. Their individual performances and leadership will heavily influence the outcome, making this a must-watch game for basketball enthusiasts.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls

  • Date & Time: Saturday, October 26, 8:00 PM EST
  • Venue: United Center, Chicago, IL
  • Why It’s Key: This matchup is particularly intriguing due to a significant offseason trade where Josh Giddey and Alex Caruso swapped teams. Josh Giddey now plays for the Bulls, while Alex Caruso is with the Thunder. Fans will be keen to see how each player performs against their former teammates and how they fit into their new team’s dynamics. It’s a compelling narrative that adds spice to an already competitive game.

LA Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors

  • Date & Time: Sunday, October 27, 7:30 PM EST
  • Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
  • Why It’s Key: A high-stakes Western Conference showdown between two teams with championship aspirations. The LA Clippers, led by stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, face off against the Golden State Warriors, anchored by Stephen Curry. This game promises a thrilling display of elite shooting, strategic playmaking, and intense defense. Both teams are looking to assert dominance early in the season, and this matchup could set the tone for their rivalry and playoff positioning. It’s also a chance to see how offseason adjustments and roster changes have impacted each team’s chemistry and performance.
Steph Curry is still going in the NBA
(Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)

Preseason Results and What They Mean for the Regular Season

Every year, the NBA preseason arrives with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Fans scour box scores and highlight reels, searching for signs that their team is poised for greatness or doom. But seasoned observers know better: preseason results are often a mirage, offering glimpses that rarely materialize once the games start to count. It’s a stage where coaches experiment with lineups, strategies, and playbooks, all while keeping their true intentions close to the vest.

Rookies and fringe players take center stage during these exhibition games, logging heavy minutes to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the roster. Veterans, meanwhile, ease into the action, treating the preseason more as a warm-up than a battleground. Coaches might trial a small-ball lineup one night and pivot to a double-big set up the next, all in the name of data collection and adaptability.

Take the unexpected scoring outburst from a second-round pick or a lopsided victory against a contender with half its starters resting—these are snapshots, not forecasts. The intensity, defensive schemes, and rotation patterns of the regular season are a different beast entirely. So while it’s tempting to read into preseason performances, it’s wiser to view them as a laboratory—a place for experimentation rather than definitive conclusions. Come opening night, the slate is wiped clean, and the real narratives begin to unfold.

Things get heated in the NBA
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

2024 NBA Draft: New Faces Ready to Shine

Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)

When the Atlanta Hawks snagged Zaccharie Risacher with the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, it was clear they were investing in a future anchored by versatile talent. Standing at 6-foot-9, Risacher is more than just height and wingspan; he’s a promising 3-and-D forward set to complement Trae Young’s dynamic playmaking. His ability to stretch the floor with off-ball movement on offense and disrupt passing lanes on defense adds a much-needed layer to the Hawks’ roster.

Despite a limited showing in the Summer League—where he averaged 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over two games before a right quad bruise sidelined him—Risacher showcased flashes of his potential. Now fully recovered, he’s poised to make an immediate impact. His modest shooting percentage of 39.3% from the field leaves room for growth, but the Hawks are betting on his upward trajectory. With Risacher in the fold, Atlanta is aiming to elevate their game on both ends of the court.

Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)

Alex Sarr didn’t turn heads during the Las Vegas Summer League; in fact, his struggles, particularly with his shooting, raised eyebrows for all the wrong reasons. But the Washington Wizards see beyond the initial jitters. Since those shaky outings, Sarr has shown marked improvement in training camp and preseason, smoothing out the hitch in his jumper and growing more comfortable in his new surroundings.

The Wizards are playing the long game with Sarr, fully aware that his development won’t be instantaneous. In a season where wins might be scarce, Washington affords him the luxury to learn through experience without the crushing weight of immediate expectations. As the franchise’s highest overall pick in years, Sarr is more than a player; he’s a cornerstone for a rebuild. His official debut against the Boston Celtics is more than just a game—it’s the first chapter in what the Wizards hope will be a storied career. Patience will be key, but the early signs suggest that Sarr could evolve into the player many envisioned during his promising professional stint in France.

Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)

The buzz around Houston isn’t just about the Rockets’ revamped roster; it’s also about Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick who is quickly endearing himself to fans and teammates alike. In his first home game—a commanding 118-98 preseason win over the New Orleans Pelicans—the 21-year-old guard delivered a glimpse of what he brings to the table. Nine points off the bench and a pair of steals might not leap off the stat sheet, but it’s the way he plays—disruptive defense, smart shot selection—that has everyone talking.

“It was good to get out and play in the first home game with the guys,” Sheppard reflected postgame. His humility aside, Sheppard faces the challenge of cracking a crowded backcourt rotation. With veteran Fred VanVleet commanding significant minutes, opportunities might be limited. Yet, head coach Ime Udoka may find it hard to keep Sheppard on the bench if he continues to impress. It’s a good problem to have: a young talent pushing the envelope, making a strong case for meaningful playing time on a team with NBA playoff aspirations.

Bronny James (LA Lakers)

The Lakers’ preseason tilt against the Golden State Warriors might not have moved the needle in terms of wins and losses, but it signified something far more important—the emergence of Bronny James as a legitimate NBA player. Logging 35 minutes, James posted an impressive stat line: 17 points, four rebounds, and three steals on 7-for-17 shooting. It was a performance that caught the eye of none other than Magic Johnson, who took to social media to praise the rookie’s poise and potential.

“Bronny played with heart and showed flashes of brilliance,” Johnson remarked, emphasizing the Lakers’ storied history of nurturing role players into key contributors. JJ Redick echoed these sentiments, highlighting James’s maturity amid immense pressure. “He’s a very grounded young man who is very coachable and has a very good head on his shoulders,” Redick noted. “He’s handled [the pressure] with a lot of class and grace.”

The Lakers didn’t draft James at No. 55 overall expecting him to fill his father’s colossal shoes overnight. Instead, they saw a player with defensive grit and an unflappable offensive mindset—traits that are invaluable in a role player. If James continues to harness these qualities within the Lakers’ development system, he could very well carve out his own niche in the league. As Magic Johnson alluded, Los Angeles might just be the perfect incubator for Bronny to grow, learn, and ultimately step out of the considerable shadow cast by his legendary father.

Outright Predictions: Who Are the Early Favorites?

Boston Celtics

  • Team Name: Boston Celtics
  • 2023/24 Record: 64 – 18 , won the NBA
  • Key Player: Jayson Tatum
  • Conference: Eastern Conference

The reigning champions are poised to defend their title with a strong roster. Led by Jayson Tatum, the Celtics have maintained their core while adding promising talent, making them the team to beat in the East.

Dallas Mavericks

  • Team Name: Dallas Mavericks
  • 2023/24 Record: 50 – 32, lost in the NBA Finals
  • Key Player: Luka Dončić
  • Conference: Western Conference

With Luka Dončić at the helm, the Mavericks are strong contenders in the West. Dončić’s exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities make the Mavericks a formidable opponent for any team.

Denver Nuggets

  • Team Name: Denver Nuggets
  • 2023/24 Record: 57-25, lost in the Western Conference Semi-Finals
  • Key Player: Nikola Jokić
  • Conference: Western Conference

Led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets have the talent and depth to make a deep playoff run. Their balanced roster and strong team chemistry keep them in the championship conversation.

Minnesota Timberwolves

  • Team Name: Minnesota Timberwolves, lost in the Western Conference Finals
  • 2023/24 Record: 56-26
  • Key Player: Anthony Edwards
  • Conference: Western Conference

Anthony Edwards has emerged as a star, and with the Timberwolves’ young and dynamic roster, they are expected to make significant strides this season.

Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Team Name: Oklahoma City Thunder, lost in the Western Conference Semi-Finals
  • 2023/24 Record: 57-25
  • Key Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Conference: Western Conference

Top MVP Candidates and Their Odds

The MVP race is heating up with several standout players leading the pack:

1. Luka Dončić

  • Odds: Varying from 17/5 to 7/2
  • Team: Dallas Mavericks
  • Why He’s a Contender: Dončić continues to impress with his all-around game. His ability to control the pace and make clutch plays keeps him at the forefront of MVP discussions.

2. Nikola Jokić

  • Odds: Ranging from 4 to 9/2
  • Team: Denver Nuggets
  • Why He’s a Contender: The three-time MVP is a consistent triple-double threat. Jokić’s exceptional court vision and scoring make him a perennial MVP candidate.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

  • Odds: Around 4 to 5
  • Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Why He’s a Contender: Shai’s breakout season has positioned him as one of the league’s top guards. His leadership on the court is propelling the Thunder into NBA contention.
Shai is an NBA STAR
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo

  • Odds: From 7 to 15/2
  • Team: Milwaukee Bucks
  • Why He’s a Contender: The “Greek Freak” remains a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Giannis’s relentless drive keeps the Bucks competitive.
Greek Freak is an NBA Champ
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

5. Anthony Edwards

  • Odds: Approximately 10 to 14
  • Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Why He’s a Contender: Edwards is rapidly ascending as a superstar. His explosive scoring ability and athleticism make him a dark horse in the NBA MVP race.
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By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)

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Photo of Nicky Nicky21/10/2024 - 07:22 am