It feels like Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks won the NBA championship just a few days ago, and yet, a new season is right around the corner.
After a summer full of major signings and trades, NBA general managers have their rosters (mostly) set for the 2021-22 campaign. The Lakers and Nets are the early favorites to reach the 2022 NBA Finals, so they will unsurprisingly be featured on several national TV broadcasts. But there will also be plenty of opportunities to watch other rising stars around the league.
If you're wondering when the regular season officially starts, we've got you covered. Here's what we know so far about the 2021-22 NBA season.
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When does the NBA season start for 2021-22?
- Training camp start date: Sept. 28, 2021
- NBA regular season start date: Oct. 19, 2021
- NBA regular season end date: April 10, 2022
NBA teams will be back in gymnasiums for training camps beginning Tuesday, Sept. 28, giving them three weeks to prepare before the 2021-22 regular season starts.
The regular season will conclude on April 10, 2022. The play-in tournament (April 12-15) and NBA playoffs (April 16) will begin that same week.
NBA schedule for 2021-22 season
After playing 72 games last season, NBA teams will return to the usual 82-game slate for the 2021-22 campaign. Here's a breakdown of 2021-22 NBA calendar:
- Regular season: Oct. 19, 2021-April 10, 2022
- All-Star break: Feb. 18-20, 2022
- Play-in tournament: April 12-15, 2022
- NBA playoffs: April 16-June 19, 2022 (latest possible NBA Finals game)
- NBA Draft: June 23, 2022
Tuesday, Oct. 19 (Opening Night)
(All times Eastern)
| Game | Time | National TV |
| Nets vs. Bucks | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Warriors vs. Lakers | 10 p.m. | TNT |
Wednesday, Oct. 20
(All times Eastern)
| Game | Time | National TV |
| Pacers vs. Hornets | 7 p.m. | — |
| Bulls vs. Pistons | 7 p.m. | — |
| Celtics vs. Knicks | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Wizards vs. Raptors | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Cavaliers vs. Grizzlies | 8 p.m. | — |
| Rockets vs. Timberwolves | 8 p.m. | — |
| 76ers vs. Pelicans | 8 p.m. | — |
| Magic vs. Spurs | 8:30 p.m. | — |
| Thunder vs. Jazz | 9 p.m. | — |
| Nuggets vs. Suns | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| Kings vs. Trail Blazers | 10 p.m. | — |
Thursday, Oct. 21
(All times Eastern)
| Game | Time | National TV |
| Mavericks vs. Hawks | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Bucks vs. Heat | 8 p.m. | — |
| Clippers vs. Warriors | 10 p.m. | TNT |
Friday, Oct. 22
(All times Eastern)
| Game | Time | National TV |
| Hornets vs. Cavaliers | 7 p.m. | — |
| Knicks vs. Magic | 7 p.m. | — |
| Pacers vs. Wizards | 7 p.m. | — |
| Nets vs. 76ers | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Raptors vs. Celtics | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Pelicans vs. Bulls | 8 p.m. | — |
| Thunder vs. Rockets | 8 p.m. | — |
| Spurs vs. Nuggets | 9 p.m. | — |
| Suns vs. Lakers | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jazz vs. Kings | 10 p.m. | — |
Saturday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day)
(All times Eastern)
| Game | Time | National TV |
| Hawks vs. Knicks | Noon | ESPN |
| Celtics vs. Bucks | 2:30 p.m. | ABC |
| Warriors vs. Suns | 5 p.m. | ABC |
| Nets vs. Lakers | 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN |
| Mavericks vs. Jazz | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN |