Answering the biggest questions surrounding the NBA’s 2024-25 opening week, including the unknowns about Kawhi and the Suns big three chemistry
The NBA season officially began Tuesday night with a New York Knicks-Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers-Minnesota Timberwolves doubleheader.
Karl-Anthony Towns debuted with the new-look Knicks and Bronny James made history alongside his father, LeBron James. The night was full of 3-point action and rookie debuts, and that was only the beginning. Several other teams kick off their seasons tonight, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) and the Phoenix Suns and LA Clippers (10 p.m. ET, ESPN).
What lies ahead for all 30 NBA teams in 2024-25? Here are the stars, stats and bets you need to know to get ready for the season.
• Rankings, predictions, odds and more
Injuries have already taken a toll on several stars this season. The 76ers’ new duo of Paul George and Joel Embiid will have to wait on their debut, as both are sidelined with injuries. George’s former teammate, Kawhi Leonard, will be out indefinitely as he continues to rehab a lingering knee injury. And the Bucks will open the season without Khris Middleton.
But the Chicago Bulls, however, will open the season getting one star back from a prolonged injury. How does Lonzo Ball fit into the Bulls’ offense after two years?
Can Mike Budenholzer turn the Suns into contenders? Has Steve Kerr found the Warriors’ starting five? Are the Sixers and Clippers in trouble without their stars?
ESPN’s NBA insiders break down the biggest questions for Wednesday’s slate of games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have one season under their belts playing alongside one another, and they’re counting on that experience to benefit them in Year 2 of this partnership. Bucks fans were disappointed to learn the two did not spend any time with each other during the offseason — Antetokounmpo was busy playing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, rehabbing an injury after and then got married — but the two stars said they were in constant communication about their goals for this season. Combine their increased familiarity along with a full season under Doc Rivers, who was brought in because of his history coaching stars, and the Bucks believe continuity will lead to a bounce-back season. — Jamal Collier
The story of Philadelphia’s season was always going to be centered around the health of Embiid and George.
