NBA Fall 2024 Schedule Preview

Image Credits: Barry Chin/Globe Staff

The beginning of the NBA season is nearly upon us, so I took a look at some of the most notable games coming up this fall. 

Read to find out which teams have the most nationally televised games, what games everyone should watch, and what games I’m most excited for. Warning: My picks will get a bit silly. 

Nationally Televised Games by Team 

To no one’s surprise, the Los Angeles Lakers (and star LeBron James) have the most nationally televised NBA games this upcoming season. Lakers fans all around the country, and world, will be able to tune in to 27 nationally televised games. 

The team with the next highest number is the defending champions: the Boston Celtics. For anyone wanting to watch the NBA’s superteam and Jayson Tatum, there will be 26 chances to see them on national TV. 

Both of these numbers are barring any post season appearances by each team. 

There are six teams who only have one televised game each - the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets. The final team with a sole televised game is the Toronto Raptors, who despite a 2019 NBA Championship, have struggled since the departure of star Kawhi Leonard that same year. 

Games Everyone Should Watch 

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, October 23, 7:30 pm EST, ESPN 

If I had to pick two teams in the East that have the most to prove this season, it would be these two. Both were first round exits from the 2024 playoffs, despite having good regular season records. 

Philadelphia picked up Paul George in the offseason, selected Duke’s Jared McCain as the 16th overall pick in this year’s draft, and have Joel Embiid fresh off an Olympic gold medal. With reliable team players like Embiid and new blood like George and McCain, the 76ers could make a run for the championship this season. 

Milwaukee had an injury issue in the playoffs, with star Giannis Antetokounmpo out for their entire playoff series against the Pacers. New addition to the team Damian Lillard was able to hold the line for games one and two before missing games four and five with an injury. With both stars rested and back to full health this season, the Bucks may be able to repeat their 2021 championship run. 

Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, November 1st, 9:30 pm EST, ESPN

Whether you were upset or overjoyed at the result of the Western Conference semifinal series in 2024, everyone can admit it was great basketball. From Jamal Murray’s half court shot at the buzzer, to Anthony Edwards being Anthony Edwards, it was a series that no one minded going to a game seven. 

The November 1st game is the first time these teams will meet since last year’s playoff series, and with the addition of Russell Westbrook to the Nuggets squad, it’s shaping up to be another great game.  

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors, December 25, 8 pm EST, ABC 

The NBA has a wide variety of games to watch on Christmas Day, but if you asked me this one is the one to watch. Anyone suffering from withdrawal of the LeBron/Steph chemistry from the 2024 Olympics (like me!) will be happy to know that they’ll at least be playing on the same court again, albeit against one another.  

Games I’ll be Watching 

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets, October 24, 10 pm EST, TNT 

In my opinion, these teams are the future of the Western Conference. If I had to choose in advance a 2025 Western Conference final, these are the teams I would land on. The Nuggets roster from the 2024 playoffs, plus the addition of Russell Westbrook, is going to be something to watch, and I firmly believe that once the young Thunder team gets more playoff experience, they will grow to be a superteam. 

Or maybe I’m wrong on all of that, we’ll find out during this game.  

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics, October 28, 7:30 pm EST, NBA TV 

In my humble opinion as a lifelong Bucks fan, the Bucks and the Celtics are a notable NBA rivalry and have been for years. This could definitely be one-sided, something Bucks fans stew on year after year, but I’m watching the game either way. 

Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks, November 22, 10 pm EST, ESPN

This is the game that’s going to tide me over on my need for Luka/Jokic bromance clips until the All-Star Game. That’s all. 

Orlando Magic vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, December 16, 7 pm EST, TNT 

These teams, simply put, have the most aura in the NBA and I just want to see them play each other. That’s all.

The NBA season starts October 22nd and I’ll be back soon with an analysis on the first game.

Edited by Emily Tsipis