Boston Celtics have a significant event planned for Oct. 22, where they will be awarded their championship rings, and their longtime rivals, the New York Knicks, will be present for the celebration. The NBA recently disclosed the schedule for the upcoming season, with the Celtics facing off against the Knicks in the season opener. This game will also feature the Celtics unveiling their 18th championship banner.
Following the Celtics-Knicks matchup, the second game on opening night will include the Minnesota Timberwolves visiting the Los Angeles Lakers, presenting a reunion of Olympic gold medalists like Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. The NBA has already released 1,200 out of 1,230 games on the schedule, while the remaining 30 games will be slotted in December based on the results of the NBA Cup.
Several beloved matchups have been announced, highlighting regular-season contests such as Miami taking on Washington in Mexico City on Nov. 2 and the San Antonio Spurs facing the Indiana Pacers in a home-and-home series in Paris on Jan. 23 and Jan. 25, with French star Victor Wembanyama as a focal point.
The NBA has scheduled several notable events throughout the season, including a Christmas Day lineup featuring games such as San Antonio against New York, Minnesota facing Dallas, Philadelphia playing Boston, the Lakers meeting Golden State, and Denver taking on Phoenix. On Jan. 20, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, seven games are set to take place, with Memphis hosting a game on the holiday for the 22nd time in the last 23 seasons.
Fans can look forward to seeing Kevin Durant return to his college home for a game when the San Antonio Spurs play two games in Austin, Texas, against Phoenix and Detroit on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21. Additionally, LeBron James will mark his 40th birthday during his 22nd season in the NBA, matching Vince Carter’s longevity record.
The NBA schedule includes an off day on Election Day, Nov. 5, to encourage civic engagement. Various other breaks throughout the season include holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, as well as a pause following All-Star weekend. The season will conclude on April 13, with all 30 teams playing their final games. Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for June 5.