The NBA has announced the schedule for the 2023-24 season, a season brimming with excitement, rivalries, and unprecedented events. This guide delves into the key highlights, from opening games to special matchups that fans should not miss. We’ll explore the season’s structure, notable dates, significant matches, and much more.
2023-24 NBA Season: Start and End Dates
The 78th NBA regular season is set to tip off on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, with a culmination date of Sunday, April 14, 2024. The season will unfold over six gripping months, packed with 82 games for each team.
Play-In Tournament and Playoffs Schedule
Following the regular season, the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament will take place from April 16 to April 19, and the highly anticipated 2024 NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel will commence on Saturday, April 20. The ultimate clash, Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2024.
Regular Season Structure: Defined Dates and TBD Games
In a unique twist to the season, the schedule includes defined dates and opponents for 80 of each team’s 82 games. The remaining two games for each team, scheduled for the week of Dec. 4, will be determined based on the results of Group Play games in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament.
In-Season Tournament Schedule
The Group Play game schedule for the In-Season Tournament is set from November 3 to November 28, as announced on August 15. This adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the regular season.
Opening Week Highlights: Games to Watch
The opening week of the 2023-24 NBA regular season will feature 10 national television games. Here’s a breakdown of the key matchups:
Kia NBA Tip-Off 2023
- Oct. 24: Doubleheader on TNT – Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors.
- Oct. 25: ESPN Doubleheader – Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks.
- Oct. 26: TNT’s Intraconference Rivalries – Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers and Suns vs. Lakers.
- Oct. 28: NBA TV Live Coverage – New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Pelicans and Suns vs. Utah Jazz.
Special Matchups: Christmas Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Christmas Day Games
Celebrating 16 consecutive years of games on Christmas Day, the NBA will feature five thrilling matchups:
- Bucks vs. Knicks
- Warriors vs. Nuggets
- Lakers vs. Celtics
- 76ers vs. Heat
- Mavericks vs. Suns
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Games
The NBA continues its tradition of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with four nationally televised games on Monday, January 15:
- Atlanta Hawks vs. Spurs
- Memphis Grizzlies vs. Warriors
- Houston Rockets vs. 76ers
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Lakers
NBA Rivals Week: A Showcase of Intense Competition
The second annual NBA Rivals Week will take center stage in January, focusing on classic and budding rivalries across 11 nationally televised games from January 23 to January 27.
Highlighted Matchups
- Heat vs. Knicks
- Lakers vs. Warriors
- 76ers vs. Nuggets
Conclusion: A Season Packed with Excitement
The 2023-24 NBA regular season is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying in recent history. From the season’s kickoff with the defending champions Denver Nuggets to classic rivalries rekindled and the innovative In-Season Tournament, fans are in for a treat. Mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and prepare for a season filled with unparalleled basketball action.
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