NBA 2024-25 opening night schedule: Defending champion Celtics to host Knicks; Timberwolves will play Lakers

With the 2024 Paris Olympics in the books, it's officially time to turn our attention to the 2024-25 NBA season. Opening night is set for Oct. 22, and will feature the Boston Celtics versus the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Los Angeles Lakers, according to The Athletics's Shams Charania. 

The Celtics won their league-best 18th championship last season by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in five games. As is tradition, the defending champions get to play at home on opening night, and the Celtics will receive their rings and raise another banner to the rafters inside TD Garden against the Knicks. 

It's a bit of a surprise that the Dallas Mavericks will not get to play on opening night after winning the Western Conference last season. At the same time, you can't blame the league for wanting LeBron James and the Lakers to take center stage to kick off the season, and they'll face off against Anthony Edwards, the possible future face of the league, and his Timberwolves. 

CBS Sports will continue updating this breaking news story. 

NBA 2024-25 opening night schedule: Defending champion Celtics to host Knicks; Timberwolves will play Lakers

NBA 2024-25 opening night schedule: Defending champion Celtics to host Knicks; Timberwolves will play Lakers

NBA 2024-25 opening night schedule: Defending champion Celtics to host Knicks; Timberwolves will play Lakers

NBA 2024-25 opening night schedule: Defending champion Celtics to host Knicks; Timberwolves will play Lakers

NBA 2024-25 opening night schedule: Defending champion Celtics to host Knicks; Timberwolves will play Lakers