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Five takeaways from the NBA's schedule release
After teasing particular matchups for weeks, the NBA finally released its full schedule for the 2024-25 season. From players returning to their old teams to rivalry week to the allocation of nationally televised games, there's a lot to glean from the details of next season's matchups.
Here are five takeaways from the schedule release.
1. The NBA is embracing young Western Conference teams
Last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder had eight nationally televised games on TNT, ESPN or ABC. After they captured the top seed in the West last season, that number has jumped to 15. The San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama have 13 games on TNT, ESPN or ABC. The Thunder have 10 additional NBA TV games while the Spurs have eight on the lesser-known cable network, meaning young centers Chet Holmgren and Wembanyama — the No. 1 and No. 2 finishers in Rookie of the Year voting — are getting a big national spotlight.
It's no surprise that the most nationally televised games are going to star-studded large-market teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics. But the new schedule shows that the NBA knows its future may lie with cities in the south-central United States — especially since the Dallas Mavericks are tied for the fifth-most national TV games.
Top 5 most national TV games for the 2024-25 season:
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) August 15, 2024
1) Lakers: 39
2) Warriors: 36
3) Celtics: 34
4) Knicks: 34
T5) Mavericks: 30
T5) Suns: 30 https://t.co/igejprP4Nf
2. The Orlando Magic get no respect
Most of the teams with limited national TV games are among the worst in the NBA. The Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets all have five or fewer nationally televised games, probably because they're likely to be tanking. But the Orlando Magic have only nine games broadcast to the whole country, and only five on TNT and ESPN.
That's an improvement from last year's lone primetime game, but it feels disrespectful for a team that finished fifth in the Eastern Conference last season and boasts former No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero, who made the All-Star team last season. The Magic added Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to their talented young core, but still won't be on TV much. Plus, the start of their schedule is brutal with seven of their first nine games on the road, including five against last year's playoff teams.
3. 'Rivals Week' is still a work in progress
The NBA designated the stretch of schedule beginning Jan. 21 as "Rivals Week," with 10 games featuring rivalries of various degrees of authenticity.
Classic and budding rivalries take center stage for #NBARivalsWeek during the week of January 21! pic.twitter.com/xSMuaiJEjj
— NBA (@NBA) August 15, 2024
Three of the series are rematches from the playoffs with the Dallas Mavericks facing both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics, and the Wolves hosting the Denver Nuggets. It's hard to argue with the Lakers playing the Celtics, or Lakers-Warriors, while the Warriors and Kings have a regional rivalry and have knocked each other out of the playoffs the last two years.
But do the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies really have anything in common besides playing near the Mississippi River? The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets share a city, but the Knicks have all the fans, making the rivalry flimsy.
We do enjoy that the online sniping about MVP voting between fans of Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid has turned 76ers-Nuggets into an actual rivalry. However, the game is in Denver, a place Embiid hasn't played since 2020, so we'll see if there's really bad blood if he sits again — or if he racks up another massive fine.
4. Homecoming games are big for TV
Klay Thompson's return to San Francisco to play the Warriors is going to air on TNT on Nov. 12, as well as kick off the start of the Emirates NBA Cup. It should be an emotional return for Thompson against the team that he played for over the first 13 seasons of his career. As an added bonus, he'll be doing it on a network where Charles Barkley has been calling him washed-up for the last two seasons.
Paul George's return to Los Angeles on Nov. 6 is somewhat less emotional, considering he was on the Clippers for eight fewer years and won four fewer titles than Thompson. But it'll be a primetime ESPN game anyway. Then, Kevin Durant will return to his old college town on Feb. 20, when the Suns play the Spurs in Austin as part of the I-35 series.
5. The NBA is leaning into its international game
The Spurs will also leave home for two games in Paris in January, when Wembanyama will return to his native country where he won a silver medal this month. They'll play on Jan. 23 and Jan. 25 against the Indiana Pacers, meaning Olympic benchwarmer Tyrese Haliburton might actually take the court in Paris for once.
When you ain’t do nun on the group project and still get an A pic.twitter.com/xpshYZhMyA
— Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) August 10, 2024
Continuing the French theme, both games between the Hawks and Spurs will be on basic cable, featuring the last two No. 1 picks in Wemby and Zaccharie Risacher. The young Frenchmen will face off Dec. 19 on TNT and Feb. 5 on ESPN. The NBA will also send fellow Frenchman Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick in June, south of the border for its Mexico City game on Nov. 2 against the Miami Heat. And in the preseason, the last two NBA champions will play in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 4 and 6 when the Celtics and Nuggets visit the Middle East.
More must-reads:
- Knicks championship credentials to be tested with grueling 10-game stretch to start the season
- Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton translating small-market success into national spotlight
- The 'Most 2,000-point NBA seasons' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Nikola Jokic on the cusp of a streak never achieved in 79-year NBA history
Nikola Jokic on Wednesday became the third player ever to start a season with four consecutive triple-doubles, joining Oscar Robertson (1961-62) and Russell Westbrook (2020-21) in exclusive company. If the Denver Nuggets star can make it five in a row against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, he'll achieve a streak never recorded in the 79-year history of the NBA, per the Associated Press. Nikola Jokic on pace to eclipse the Big O Jokic recorded the 168th triple-double of his career on Wednesday, finishing with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the Nuggets' 122-88 blowout victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Serbian star is just 13 shy of tying Robertson for second on the leaderboard and 35 away from equaling Westbrook, the all-time leader. Unless he suffers an injury, Jokic is a lock to surpass "The Big O" this season, considering he amassed a career-high 34 last season. It also doesn't seem far-fetched for Jokic to tie or surpass Westbrook's record of 203 triple-doubles this season. For one, Westbrook, who has assumed a bench role with the Sacramento Kings, won't put up the gaudy numbers he did during his prime with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Furthermore, Jokic's recent career progression suggests a steady increase in the number of triple-doubles year-over-year. Nikola Jokic's rapid-fire triple-doubles Jokic had only 16 triple-doubles when he won his first MVP in 2020-21, a number that rose to 19 when he clinched his second Michael Jordan Trophy the following season. That total increased to 25 when he earned his third MVP in 2023-24, and then to 34 last year, when he became the first center ever to average a triple-double for a season. If the recent trend is any indication, Jokic will likely accumulate at least 40 triple-doubles this season, making him the all-time leader. Another remarkable trend in Jokic's triple-doubles is the rapidity with which he gets them. On Wednesday, he sat out the fourth quarter, marking the 17th time in his career when he reached a triple-double mark while logging less than 30 minutes. According to the NBA, Jokic leads both Robertson and Westbrook for most such games. Jokic similarly had more triple-doubles within three quarters than the entire NBA combined last season. And that was when the Nuggets had questionable depth, leading to the firing of head coach Michael Malone. This season, Denver is significantly better, giving Jokic many more chances to record triple-doubles and sit out the fourth quarter.
Steelers Can Take Advantage Of Reported 'Fire Sale' In AFC And Target Stud Wide Receiver
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that has been reported to be looking to acquire talent ahead of the NFL's trade deadline on November 4th. Pittsburgh has already brought in safety Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots, and the franchise could be looking to add some more talent, especially on the offensive side of the football. Wide receiver has been a position of discussion for many fans, as Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson being the next options behind DK Metcalf has not felt like a great idea through the first seven games of the year. The Steelers have been rumored to land pretty much any disgruntled wide receiver over the last two seasons. The only big acquisition at the position has been Metcalf, which was a trade that seemingly came out of nowhere in the 2025 offseason. With the deadline approaching, Pittsburgh has some options, including wide receiver Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins. Miami mutually separated with General Manager Chris Grier on Friday, which should mark the start of a fire sale. This was recently pointed out by analyst Matt Miller. The Dolphins fell to 2-7 after losing to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, and that marks the end of Grier's time with the organization, as he started back in 2000 as a scout for the franchise. Miami was trying to turn things around in the 2025 season before officially becoming "sellers," but the seventh loss of the year and the dismissal of a general manager usually means trades are coming. The Dolphins have said they do not want to deal Waddle, but that was prior to Grier and the organization parting ways. That, plus a lost season completely changes things, and Waddle could absolutely get moved for the right price. Miami will now have to hire a new general manager during the 2026 offseason, and the franchise has to be sure it is doing everything possible to set the new executive up for success. That means acquiring some draft capital via trade, while also clearing up some cap space. Moving Waddle would bring in significant draft capital while also getting his contract off of the books. He is currently signed through the 2028 season with a cap hit of over $30 million in each of the last two years on the deal. The franchise should certainly consider getting rid of him to free up some cap space. This franchise is in a rough spot at the moment, and a fire sale could help propel them forward. A true rebuild is coming for Miami, so it is likely time to start setting up for the future. Steelers' Omar Khan Needs To At Least Inquire With The Miami Dolphins Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan needs to at least reach out to Miami as the franchise could be seen as a bit vulnerable with an interim general manager stepping in. Waddle should be at the top of Pittsburgh's wish list, but there are some other players in Miami that might be worth acquiring as well. There is a trio of edge rushers that could be moved, and that might not be a bad idea for Pittsburgh as the team somehow lacks a pass rush. Khan has been great at negotiating ever since stepping into his current role, and it might be beneficial if he can start swapping offers with the stand-in GM in Miami. The two franchises have already done business this year when they swapped some late-round picks, along with Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith for Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Logical trade targets if the Vikings decide to buy before the trade deadline
While a loss Sunday in Detroit could turn Minnesota into a seller before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, a win would get them to 4-4 and perhaps entice them to be a buyer. If they do wind up acquiring help before the trade deadline, who are some logical targets? For that, we need to look at the teams most likely to be selling and find out which players at positions of need — cornerback and perhaps edge rusher — Minnesota could target. We also need to keep in mind that draft capital is a premium. Here's what the Vikings have in the 2026 draft cupboard: 1st round 2nd round 3rd round 5th fround (from Philadelphia via the Sam Howell trade) 6th round (from Indianapolis via the Mekhi Blackmon trade) 7th round 7th round (from Houston via the 2024 Cam Akers trade) 7th round (from Carolina via the Adam Thielen trade) What are the Vikings most likely to do before the deadline? It doesn't sound like much. Alec Lewis, of The Athletic, says to "expect some tires to be kicked, but don’t bank on an addition or subtraction, barring a serious injury." NFL Network's Tom Pelissero doesn't "see them going out and making a massive type of acquisition," but he says he could "see them having interest" in the edge rusher market. SI's Albert Breer says the Vikings are "among a list of teams looking for corners." So, let's see what the likely sellers might have available at cornerback and edge. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett (not logical) All signs point to the Browns keeping Garrett, so this is probably a waste of time to even consider. If they did open the door for a trade, it would cost an ungodly amount, including multiple first-round picks and perhaps some talented players. Cleveland hasn't had any cornerbacks mentioned in the rumor mills. Las Vegas Raiders: Eric Stokes Stokes would be a massive upgrade at cornerback for the Vikings, who lack depth behind Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. Stokes shouldn't cost a ton because he's on a one-year, $3.5 million contract. There's no guarantee that he re-signs with the Raiders, so Vegas might be smart to trade him now, rather than losing him for nothing in free agency. Stokes ranked No. 38 in PFF coverage grades for cornerbacks, having allowed 10 receptions on 19 targets for 123 yards. Quarterbacks have a 72.9 passer rating when throwing into Stokes' coverage, which puts him among the top 30 in the NFL this season. Maimi Dolphins: Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Matthew Judon Chubb, Phillips and Judon would could be upgrades over Dallas Turner on the edge. But does Minnesota really want to trade for an edge rusher when Andrew Van Ginkel is about to return to the lineup? It's only a need if Van Ginkel is expected to miss more time. Phillips: 3 sacks, 32 pressures, PFF's 15th-ranked pass rusher at EDGE Chubb: 3 sacks, 21 pressures, PFF's 101st-ranked pass rusher at EDGE Judon: 0 sacks, 5 pressures, PFF's 116th-ranked pass rusher at EDGE Breer is hearing that it could take a third-round pick to get Phillips. New Orleans Saints: Alontae Taylor Taylor would be an upgrade in the cornerback room, but Breer says the Saints are asking for a second or third-round pick for him. The 2022 second-round pick is due to become a free agent, so it would only make sense for Minnesota to give up a quality draft pick for him if they can sign him to an extension. According to PFF, Taylor has the 31st-best coverage grade among cornerbacks, putting him just ahead of Jets star Sauce Gardner. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux Mike Garafolo reported this week that the Giants are telling interested teams no, but Thibodeaux appears to be the odd man out in New York with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter starting on the edges. He's under contract through 2026, so it might take a Day 2 pick to get him. Should the Vikings offer a third-rounder next year to shore up the edge? Thibodeaux has 2.5 sacks and 25 pressures this season, while ranking 49th among edge rushers via PFF's grades. He had just 5.5 sacks last year, but he posted an 11.5-sack season in 2023, which is what the Giants thought they were getting when they drafted him fifth overall in 2022. Washington Commanders: Noah Igbinoghene Igbinoghene might be the player that makes the most sense for Minnesota because he'd only cost them a late-round draft pick. He's a player who was on the field for 75% of Washington's snaps last season, but roster changes have led to him spending most of this season on the bench, having played a total of 40 defense snaps in 2025. The issue here is that he's best-suited for the slot, and the Vikings need someone who can fill the void of Jeff Okudah (concussions) on the outside. More from Vikings On SI
Three teams that should pursue a trade for Titans WR Calvin Ridley
As the Tennessee Titans are free falling towards another season as one of the NFL's worst teams, they will likely sell off some of their higher priced players before the NFL's Nov. 4 trade deadline. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley tops the list of available players on the trade block even as he deals with a hamstring injury. Ridley's big play ability makes him an attractive option for teams looking to add another wide receiver. Even though he's been experiencing an up and down season so far - Ridley has only 16 receptions for 290 yards, he surpassed 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons following sitting out 2022 due to being suspended for betting. So assuming Ridley is healthy enough to remain a trade target, here are the teams that should take a chance on the controversial wide out. Pittsburgh Steelers Aaron Rodgers may have stabilized the Steelers' quarterback position, but that doesn't mean the offense is as consistent as it needs to be for Pittsburgh to truly contend in the AFC. Pittsburgh has only exceeded 30 points twice through seven games. Desperate to increase their offensive output, especially with the defense struggling, the Steelers could use more receiver depth behind DK Metcalf. Acquiring Ridley would provide Rodgers another weapon and make the decision to place double coverage on Metcalf more of a risk for opponents. If Ridley can get back to form, he would unlock an extra dimension for a Steelers team that still holds a comfortable lead in the AFC North. New England Patriots One of the surprising results of the season so far, the Patriots are 6-2 and in first place in the AFC East. But if New England truly hopes to make a playoff push, second-year quarterback Drake Maye may need more at his disposal. To this point, Maye has been forced to work without a true deep threat. And while he's been able to methodically move the ball, Ridley would make his life much easier and stretch the field even more. Seattle Seahawks Another first place team who could use another playmaker, the Seattle Seahawks' offense has started to show signs of weakness in recent weeks. Much like the Steelers, the Seahawks have a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for October. He's been brilliant with three-straight 100 plus-yard games. However, Seattle has only scored 30 points once in its last four games. Pairing Smith-Njigba with Ridley would make the Seahawks more potent as they approach a stretch of the schedule with pivotal divisional matchups coming up.
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