When does the NBA season start 2021-22? Opening Night, Christmas Day schedules revealed

By | August 17, 2021

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.

MORE: Potential trade scenarios involving Ben Simmons

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. Complete game and broadcast schedules for the 2021-22 season will be revealed on Friday, Aug. 20.

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
Celtics vs. Knicks 7:30 p.m. ESPN
Nuggets vs. Suns 10 p.m. ESPN

Thursday, Oct. 21

(All times Eastern)

Game Time National TV
Mavericks vs. Hawks 7:30 p.m. TNT
Clippers vs. Warriors 10 p.m. TNT

Friday, Oct. 22

(All times Eastern)

Game Time National TV
Nets vs. 76ers 7:30 p.m. ESPN
Suns vs. Lakers 10 p.m. ESPN

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

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