The 2024-25 NBA schedule is set to be released in the coming weeks. Shams Charania of The Athletic, who previously reported on the Christmas Day games, has now provided details on the opening night matches. According to Charania’s appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, the opening night of the NBA season on October 22 will feature the defending champion Boston Celtics hosting the New York Knicks, and the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves. As usual, the defending champions will receive their rings on opening night.
The Celtics will face the Knicks, who made significant moves this offseason to challenge Boston. However, Kristaps Porzingis is expected to be out due to recovery from surgery. Both teams are anticipated to be in strong form for what promises to be an exciting opener.
On the other coast, the NBA clearly wants to showcase Anthony Edwards. Edwards was on the fast track to superstardom even before he went to Paris as part of Team USA this summer, and now he seems fated to become the next big basketball personality and potential face of the league. The schedule now features him taking on two of his Olympics teammates, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as the Timberwolves attempt to return to the postseason following their best playoff run in decades.