The full 2018-19 NBA schedule will officially be released today, Friday August 10, though die-hard fans already have a watchful eye on which games will offer the most bang for their buck. The league already announced match-ups and television schedules for the season’s opening week this October, as well as annual Christmas Day games and Martin Luther King Jr. Day schedules, with today’s full release being the last piece of the puzzle. Ahead of the season’s start, here are the key things expect across the league.
We’d be remiss to start things off with reigning NBA champions, Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and company are once again the heavy favorite to do some damage in the Western Conference. After capturing their third NBA championship title in four years with a brutal sweep of Cleveland, the Warriors sit confidently atop the list of early power rankings. With the ever-consistent Curry, Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson returning to the court, as well as the off-season addition of center DeMarcus Cousins, Golden State remains a golden choice among analysts to have yet another impactful season. They’ll kick off their 2018-19 campaign on the road October 16 in Oklahoma City. They’re set to face the Lakers in the two released holiday games, which brings us to the next hot topic of one LeBron James.
LeBron’s jump to the West Coast shocked the sports world, though many felt it was time for a change after he couldn’t carry Cleveland to a championship. Clad in a Lakers uniform, he’s expected to bring wins to LA reminiscent of the Kobe Bryant-era, backed by key returners Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball.
The Western Conference sees another threat with Houston, as the Rockets finished last season 65-17. League MVP James Harden is back and joined by Carmelo Anthony to do some damage on the boards, although they’re sure to be tested more this season than last. They open up the season October 17 against New Orleans and have intriguing match-ups with both Los Angeles-based teams within the days that follow.
In the Eastern Conference, all eyes are on the Celtics and 76ers, who interestingly enough, headline the first clash of the season. Head coach Brad Stevens and the Boston faithful are reliant on Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward to lead the way. Keeping healthy is key, as both star players were sidelined for critical portions of the 2017-18 season and unable to contribute the way they would have liked. Philly looks to have a promising season once again, with the versatile Ben Simmons hoping to repeat the success of his rookie season. They will face Boston in a blockbuster Christmas Day meeting as well.
See the partial 2018-19 NBA schedule below, which includes the season’s opening week of games in October, as well as holiday match-ups on Christmas Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Opening Week
Tuesday, October 16
Philadelphia 76s vs. Boston Celtics
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors
Wednesday, October 17
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets
Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns
Thursday, October 18
Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Friday, October 19
Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors
Golden State Warriors vs. Utah Jazz
Saturday, October 20
Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Sunday, October 21
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Christmas Day
Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Utah Jazz
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Upon the 2018-19 NBA schedule’s release, browse tickets to all games for every team in the league by clicking on any of the links below.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Toronto Raptors
Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers
New York Knicks
Brooklyn Nets
Central Division
Cleveland Cavaliers
Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks
Detroit Pistons
Chicago Bulls
Southeast Division
Miami Heat
Washington Wizards
Charlotte Hornets
Orlando Magic
Atlanta Hawks
Western Conference
Northwest Division
Portland Trail Blazers
Oklahoma City Thunder
Utah Jazz
Minnesota Timberwolves
Denver Nuggets
Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Sacramento Kings
Phoenix Suns
Southwest Division
Houston Rockets
New Orleans Pelicans
San Antonio Spurs
Dallas Mavericks
Memphis Grizzlies