NBA
Which teams will play in the NBA on New Year’s Eve 2024?
As it happened for Christmas Day, there will be no shortage of NBA games on Dec. 31. Here’s all you need to know.
2024 is right around the corner and many sports take a break to celebrate this special time of the year. The NBA, though, is not one of them, and quite a few matches will be played on New Year’s Eve, as it also happened during Christmas Day.
Lebron James, the player with the most appearances in a game on December 25, will also feature on the last day of the year. His team, the Los Angeles Lakers, wasn’t able to get the win against the Boston Celtics that day, but will he be able to guide Darvin Ham’s men to victory this time around?
Besides the Lakers, another 11 teams will be playing hours before welcoming 2024. Let’s take a look at the matches that will take place on New Year’s Eve.
Atlanta Hawks vs Washington Wizards
The Hawks and the Wizards will be the first game of December 31. Both sides are fighting to climb up positions after a disappointing start to the 2023-24 season. The Hawks will be favored to get the win here, although Washington could get away with the victory if Trae Young & co. aren’t at their best.
Start time: 3 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans
The NBA In-Season Tournament champions and the Pelicans will play one of the most interesting matches of the day. LA seem to have improved in their last games but at the same time, they are not consistent enough to record a series of important wins. The Pelicans, meanwhile, have been dealing with a few key injuries, with Zion Williamson constantly missing games and Brandon Ingram having his issues.
Start time: 7 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Brooklyn Nets vs Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder will be looking to record another win to keep fighting for the Western Conference top spots, as they are trying to catch the Timberwolves and the Nuggets.
The Nets have a good roster, with the likes of Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas, but it looks like they will need to trade to be able to fight against the best.
Start time: 7 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Boston Celtics vs San Antonio Spurs
Probably the best team in the NBA right now, the Celtics will take on the Spurs in a duel of contrasts. While Boston are looking spectacular, led by Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown, San Antonio are sitting bottom in the Western Conference. Victor Wembanyama has been a great addition, but the team will likely need more consistent players around him to be competitive.
Start time: 7 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Sacramento Kings vs Memphis Grizzlies
The Kings are looking to be a force in the NBA and they are doing a good job. Last season, they ended their 16-year playoff drought and if the team can keep this level, especially with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis leading the team, they will qualify for the playoffs again.
With Ja Morant back from his suspension, Memphis are back in the winning column and they will be motivated enough to try to record another victory when they face the Kings.
Start time: 8 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Orlando Magic vs Phoenix Suns
One of the standout teams this season in the NBA are the Orlando Magic. They were not expected to do big things this term, but his young players are proving that they are a dangerous team, as they are sitting in the top spots in the East.
The very opposite is happening to the Suns. Phoenix is full of All-Star talent and were seen as one of the teams to watch this campaign, but despite having Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Frank Vogel hasn’t found the formula to make their ‘Big Three’ play at their best together.
Start time: 8 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass