Must-See Games During 2024-25 NBA Season

The start of the 2024-25 NBA season is approaching quickly. By the end of October, there will be NBA games every day for months on end. Of course, not every NBA game is created equal. There are always going to be games that stand out among the rest. Obviously, the best games for fans often depend on their rooting interest. However, we wanted to share 10 of the most must-see games on the NBA schedule during the 2024-25 season.

Knicks vs Celtics, October 22

Opening night of the NBA season begins with a bang as the Celtics host the Knicks. The Celtics will be receiving their championship rings and raising an 18th banner while also starting their title defense. Of course, Boston will get an immediate test on opening night, as the Knicks arguably won the offseason in the NBA after acquiring both Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, adding Towns on the eve of training camp. As a result, this game could feature the two best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Before opening night arrives, fans may want to familiarize themselves with the world of sports betting. There are 1,230 games during the season, so the betting possibilities are endless. Thanks to mobile sportsbooks, wagering with betting apps has never been easier for NBA fans.

Suns vs Clippers, October 23

With just two games on opening night, most teams will make their season debut the following night. The second night of the season includes the Clippers opening up their new arena. They are no longer sharing a venue with the Lakers but will play their games at the Intuit Dome, which figures to have one of the best fan atmospheres in the league right away. The Clippers also have a tough game for their season opener with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker leading the Suns into town.

Bucks vs 76ers, October 23

Another early-season game features two teams from the Eastern Conference that expect to make some noise this season. The Bucks are hoping that they can live up to their talent this season while the Sixers hope that a healthy Joel Embiid and the addition of Paul George will make a big difference. This will be a chance for both sides to make a statement early in the season.

Pacers vs Knicks, October 25

After a contentious playoff series last spring, the Pacers and Knicks renew acquaintances during the first week of the new season. This rivalry, which was among the best in the NBA during the 90s, could be coming back. The new-look Knicks will be looking for redemption for their playoff loss against Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers with Indiana still having a lot to prove despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

Grizzlies vs Rockets, October 25

These are two of the most interesting teams to watch this season. The Rockets are loaded with young talent while the Grizzlies are welcoming Ja Mortant back to the fold. This game represents an early-season litmus test for both teams, as either could be considered a sleeper in the Western Conference.

Nuggets vs Timberwolves, November 1

The playoff series between the Nuggets and T’Wolves last spring was crazy. Minnesota erased a 20-point deficit in Game 7 to take the series. Every NBA fan should be excited about the first meeting between the two teams since that series. Plus, these two remain among the best in the Western Conference, making this early November game a potential playoff preview as well.

76ers vs Clippers, November 6

It’s not going to take long for Paul George and the Sixers to play against his former teammates. Philadelphia travels to the new Intuit Dome during the first week of November. George isn’t likely to receive a warm welcome from the fans in Los Angeles. This game could also be an early litmus test for how well George is gelling with his new teammates.

Spurs vs Knicks, December 25

The first of five NBA games on Christmas Day should be an exciting one at Madison Square Garden. Last season’s rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama figures to be the main attraction, even against a loaded New York roster. The young big man has already shown that he shows up in big games, so Christmas Day in the world’s most famous arena should bring out the best in Wembanyama.

Lakers vs Warriors, December 25

One of the other highlights of the Christmas Day schedule is a rivalry game between the Lakers and Warriors. With LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Steph Curry all sharing the court, the star power in this game will be off the charts. Since neither team is among the elite teams in the Western Conference right now, both the Lakers and Warriors figure to have plenty to prove in a nationally televised game.

Celtics vs Thunder, January 5

Heading into the season, the Celtics and Thunder are the betting favorites to win their respective conferences. That makes this game in early January a possible preview of the NBA Finals. Obviously, both teams will be in mid-season form by the time this game takes place. But this is still a game worth circling at the start of the season.