The NBA is one of the most watched sports in the US, with millions of viewers from all over the world tuning in to witness mind-blowing dunks and three-point shots. At the same time, as a direct consequence of what has just been said, the top US basketball league is also one of the competitions that most influences the American economy by generating revenue and fueling the betting industry in a major way. With this in mind, given the unpredictability of the tournament, for fans wishing to place bets on the NBA, the advice is to rely on the advice of experts, often gathered from comparison sites that also offer updates on the latest odds for today’s NBA games, as well as numerous data and statistics. But even if you are just here for basketball as a simple fan of this fantastic sport, 2025 promises to be a year full of unmissable events. Let’s take a look at the main dates and the most heated rivalries that will characterise the season.
How the NBA Championship Works (and Why It’s Pure Chaos)
Before diving into the 2025 hype, let’s recap how the NBA crown is earned. The season starts with 30 teams battling through 82 regular-season games (October–April). The top six teams in each conference (East and West) automatically qualify for the playoffs. The next four teams in each conference enter the SoFi Play-In Tournament—a mini knockout round to grab the final two playoff spots. Once the 16-team playoff bracket is set, it’s a best-of-seven slugfest across four rounds: First Round, Conference Semis, Conference Finals, and the NBA Finals. Last team standing? They get the Larry O’Brien Trophy and a parade that’ll shut down a major city.
February 6: Trade Deadline Drama – Who’s Getting Shipped?
The NBA trade deadline is like a high-stakes game of Monopoly. Contenders mortgage their future for win-now stars (cough 2023 Suns trading for Kevin Durant), while rebuilding teams stockpile draft picks. In 2025, keep an eye on teams like the Memphis Grizzlies (if Ja Morant’s healthy) or the Orlando Magic (Paolo Banchero needs a co-star). Sports news will come out faster than a LeBron chase-down block. Will the Lakers make one last desperate move? Will the Warriors finally part ways with Draymond Green? Buckle up.
February 14–16: All-Star Weekend Hits San Francisco
The NBA All-Star Weekend is back in the Bay Area for the first time since 2000, and San Francisco is ready to flex. The Rising Stars game (featuring top rookies and sophomores), the Skills Challenge, and the always-unpredictable Slam Dunk Contest will take over Chase Center. But the main event? Sunday’s All-Star Game, where the league’s top vote-getters—think Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or maybe even Wemby—will put on a show. Pro tip: The 2024 All-Star Game in Indianapolis was criticized for lackluster defense. Will 2025’s squad actually try?
April–June: Play-In Madness, Playoff Pressure, and Finals Glory
April 13: Regular Season Ends – Chaos Mode Activated
All 30 teams play on the final day, which means last-second jockeying for playoff positioning. Imagine the 2024 Thunder-Blazers finale, where a single loss cost Portland a top-six seed. Teams will tank, others will rest stars, and fans will refresh standings every 30 seconds.
April 15–18: SoFi Play-In Tournament – Win or Go Home
Legends are born in the Play-ins (see: 2023 Anthony Davis dropping 31 points to save the Lakers) or hearts get broken (sorry, 2024 Bulls). Four teams per conference fight for the 7th and 8th seeds. You do one bad game and your season is done.
April 19: Playoffs Begin
The first round starts with eight series. Expect seven-game battles, like 2024’s Celtics-Heat bloodbath.
June 5: NBA Finals – The Ultimate Showdown
The Finals tip off in early June. Will it be a dynasty (Denver Nuggets?) vs. an underdog (OKC Thunder?)? Or maybe a coast-to-coast clash like Celtics vs. Suns? Either way, the parade route will be packed.
Conclusion: Clear Your Calendar
From Wembanyama’s Parisian homecoming to the Finals’ final buzzer, the 2025 NBA season is a masterclass in storytelling. Whether you’re here for the trades, the All-Star antics, or the playoff drama, there’s something for everyone. So mark your calendars, set those reminders, and maybe even place a strategic bet or two (with expert advice, of course). Because in the NBA, every game writes history—and 2025’s chapters are going to be unforgettable.
