The 2024-2025 NBA regular season got underway on October 22, with the Boston Celtics hosting the New York Knicks, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Los Angeles Lakers. The season will include the always-anticipated All-Star Game on February 16 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. It will conclude on April 13, followed by playoffs and the NBA Finals in June.

Though still in its early days, the 2024-2025 season has already generated plenty of excitement. The Emirates NBA Cup, a new tournament introduced just last year, started on November 12 with the final match-up on December 17 at T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip. Teams play four regular-season games against opponents from their regional groups, and then advance to a knockout stage for the chance to play in the title game. The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James are the reigning champions and will be the team to beat. 

Emirates NBA Cup aside, basketball fans are eager to see how major pre-season shakeups will impact play this year. Falcons alum and former Peddie Varsity Basketball Team Statistician Brad Derfner ’23 is focused on trades and coaching changes. “Karl-Anthony Towns going to the Knicks and DeMar DeRozan joining the Kings could really make a difference,” he said. “I’m also curious to see how JJ Redick taking over the Lakers as head coach and Mike Budenholzer joining the Suns will impact things.” 

Many NBA fans are also especially excited for Christmas Day games, which are already generating plenty of buzz. “Some of the league’s biggest stars will be facing off against each other,” noted junior Brandon Schrob ’26, treasurer of the Peddie’s Sports Analytics Club. “The San Antonio Spurs versus the Knicks should be pretty exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Boston Celtics, who are the defending NBA champions.” It is indeed always fun to see long-time rivals go head-to-head.