When does the 2024-25 NBA season start? Opening night date and schedule

The 2024-25 NBA preseason is currently underway and will run for another week before the NBA opening night on October 22. The opening night will feature an exciting doubleheader: the New York Knicks versus the Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The defending champion Celtics, who had a remarkable performance in the previous season, will host the Knicks, who have recently acquired two star players, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, in trades that have dominated the offseason headlines. Knick fans are excited to see how Towns will lead the starting five, which will include Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and the newly added Towns and Bridges.

The second game of the night will showcase the Timberwolves visiting Los Angeles to play against the Lakers under the new leadership of JJ Redick, who has transitioned from being an NBA analyst to head coach. The Lakers will have LeBron James, who is entering his 22nd season and his seventh with Los Angeles. This year is particularly special as he may be sharing the court with his son, Bronny James.

Here is the NBA schedule for the opening week:

More: Clippers welcome new faces and new arena to start NBA preseason

When does the NBA season start?

The NBA Opening Night is on Tuesday, October 22. The first game between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers facing the Minnesota Timberwolves at 10:30 p.m. ET.

NBA opening night schedule

Tuesday, Oct. 22:

All times Eastern.

• New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics, 7:30 p.m. on TNT

• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 p.m. on TNT

NBA opening week schedule

Wednesday, Oct. 23:

All times Eastern.

• Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons, 7 p.m.

• Brooklyn Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7:30 p.m.

• Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat, 7:30 p.m.

• Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN

• Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:30 p.m.

• Charlotte Hornets vs. Houston Rockets, 8 p.m.

• Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz, 9 p.m.

• Phoenix Suns vs. LA Clippers, 10 p.m. on ESPN

• Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 10 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 24:

All times Eastern.

• Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards, 7 p.m.

• San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks, 7:30 p.m. on TNT

• Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets, 10 p.m. on TNT

• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Sacramento Kings, 10 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25:

All times Eastern.

• Brooklyn Nets vs. Orlando Magic, 7 p.m.

• Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors, 7 p.m.

• Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7:30 p.m.

• Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m.

• Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN

• Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets, 8 p.m.

• Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 8 p.m.

• Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz, 9:30 p.m.

• Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m. on ESPN

• New Orleans Pelicans vs. Portland Trailblazers, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 26:

All times Eastern.

• LA Clipper vs. Denver Nuggets, 5 p.m.

• Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets, 7 p.m.

• Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons, 7 p.m.

• Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards, 7 p.m.

• Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

• Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 8 p.m. on NBA TV

• Toronto Raptors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 8 p.m.

• Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 p.m.

• Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz, 9:30 p.m.

• Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns, 10 p.m.

• Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 p.m. on NBA TV

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does the NBA season start? Time, TV and opening schedule