NBA 2023-24 schedule: Key dates and biggest games of the season

The start of the 2023-24 NBA season is imminent, with an array of captivating matchups for us to get excited about scattered throughout the calendar. Starting on Tuesday October 24th, the upcoming season will run until Sunday April 14th, marking the conclusion of the regular season. Notably, this year will see the introduction of a unique element with the in-season tournament starting on November 3rd.

Each team’s schedule currently comprises 80 games, with the remaining two matches set to be revealed after the championship game of the in-season tournament.

Continuing a trend from the previous year, the league is set to host Rivals Week for a second consecutive time. This special week, from January 23rd to January 27th, will showcase classic and emerging rivalries across the NBA.

Here’s an overview of the upcoming NBA season’s dates and standout matchups.

NBA 2023-24 schedule

Opening night - Oct. 24

Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 7:30 p.m. ET

Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m. ET

The in-season tournament climaxes on December 7th and 9th, treating us to the semifinals and the grand championship clash right in the heart of Las Vegas. As the curtain falls on this inaugural tournament, players from the triumphant team will walk away with a cool $500,000 each, elevating this event to a potential future showstopper on the NBA’s bustling calendar.

Christmas Day - Dec 25

New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 12 p.m. ET

Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors, 2: 30.m. ET

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics, 5 p.m. ET

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 8 p.m. ET

Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks, 10:30 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Jan. 15

On January 15th, the league continues its tradition of honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with 22 teams slated to compete in special matchups. A highlight of the day’s action is the anticipated clash between the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies. This game, set for 6 p.m. ET and airing nationally, promises excitement as Ja Morant returns to the court following his 25-game suspension.

NBA All-Star Weekend -- Feb. 16-18

Looking ahead to February, the NBA All-Star Weekend is set to unfold from the 16th to the 18th, this time taking place in Indianapolis. The pinnacle of this event-packed weekend will be the 73rd All-Star Game on Sunday, February 18th. Notably, Indianapolis was initially chosen to host the 2021 All-Star Game, but due to the disruptions caused by covid, the city’s opportunity was deferred to 2024. This marks the city’s second time hosting All-Star Weekend, the previous instance dating back to 1985 when the event was held in the Hoosier Dome, which once housed the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.