Open Extended Reactions
The NBA schedule for 2024-25 has been unveiled. Which debuts, star showdowns, reunions and playoff rematches are we most excited to watch?
Plenty of stars will don new jerseys next season — most notably Klay Thompson with the Dallas Mavericks, Paul George with the Philadelphia 76ers, Mikal Bridges with the New York Knicks and DeMar DeRozan with the Sacramento Kings — setting up some must-see reunions.
Top rookies will face off, led by No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher vs. No. 2 pick Alex Sarr in October and Donovan Clingan vs. Zach Edey in a rematch of the 2024 NCAA title game in November.
Reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama will look to take the next step in his ascension to NBA superstardom, while 39-year-old LeBron James, fresh off a gold medal in Paris, will embark on his record-tying 22nd season in the league.
Those are just some of the storylines we can’t wait to watch play out in 2024-25. With the NBA releasing its full schedule on Thursday, ESPN’s NBA insiders are breaking down the most anticipated games of the upcoming season, including when to watch Wemby, every big revenge game, the five-game Christmas Day slate and key matchups inside both Los Angeles arenas.
Star-studded first-week matchups
New York Knicks at Boston Celtics
Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT
The defending champions will celebrate their 2024 championship against perhaps their most likely Eastern Conference finals foe. The Knicks were a win away from facing the Celtics in May, and the addition of Mikal Bridges has bolstered their chances of making a deep playoff run next spring. — Kevin Pelton
Phoenix Suns at LA Clippers
Oct. 23, 10 p.m. ET | ESPN
The Clippers will debut the Intuit Dome and its crowd-friendly design, including