It has only been two months since the Warriors defeated the Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals to capture their fourth championship in the past eight seasons, yet it's already time for basketball fans to start preparing themselves for a new season.
With the NBA back on a normal calendar after multiple COVID-impacted campaigns and last year's Olympic Games, there was an expectation that the 2022-23 season schedule would be released in early-to-mid August. Is the league still operating on that timeline?
Here's what we know about the 2022-23 schedule release based on recent reports and rumors.
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When will NBA release 2022-23 schedule?
The NBA will announce the 2022-23 schedule on Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 3 p.m. ET.
The 2022-23 NBA Season schedule drops TOMORROW at 3pm/et. https://t.co/SXEI895gv3
— NBA (@NBA) August 16, 2022
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NBA schedule release 2022-23: Reports and rumors
Even though the NBA has yet to officially release the schedule for the 2022-23 season, dates for marquee games have already begun to trickle out.
Opening Night
The 76ers, Celtics, Lakers and Warriors will reportedly take the floor for the NBA's Opening Night doubleheader on Oct. 18.
Sources: NBA's 2022-23 Opening Night, Oct. 18 on TNT:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 16, 2022
- 76ers at Celtics
- And as previously reported: Lakers at Warriors
Christmas Day
The Christmas Day schedule is reportedly set with five star-studded matchups.
Sources: NBA’s 2022 Christmas Day schedule:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2022
Bucks at Celtics
76ers at Knicks
Suns at Nuggets
Lakers at Mavericks
Grizzlies at Warriors
The return of the Battle for LA
Because of injuries, we haven't seen LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George battle it out in Los Angeles since Dec. 22, 2020.
Let's hope everyone can stay healthy before the Clippers and Lakers meet on Oct. 20.
The first Lakers-Clippers game of the 2022-23 NBA season is scheduled for Oct. 20 at https://t.co/lur8Hbuv0r Arena, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2022
LeBron James-Anthony Davis vs. Kawhi Leonard-Paul George again for first time since Dec. 22, 2020.
Western Conference Semifinals rematch
The Suns will get their first chance to exact revenge on the Mavericks on Oct. 19.
Dallas ended Phoenix's 2021-22 season with a 123-90 win in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
After blowout Game 7 loss in West semifinals, the Phoenix Suns will host the Dallas Mavericks in the season opener for both teams on Oct. 19, per sources. Luka Doncic and his new backcourt starter, Spencer Dinwiddie, vs. Devin Booker and Chris Paul.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 15, 2022
When was the schedule released for the 2021-22 season?
The NBA released its full 2021-22 season schedule on Aug. 20, 2021, though it did share some details before that date. The league revealed the set of games for the first week of the season and Christmas Day on Aug. 17, 2021.
Key dates for 2022-23 NBA season
- Sept. 9-10: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend
- Sept. 30, Oct. 2: Warriors, Wizards to play in NBA Japan Games 2022
- Oct. 2: Raptors, Jazz to play in NBA Canada Series 2022
- Oct. 6, Oct. 8: Bucks, Hawks to play in Abu Dhabi Games 2022
- Oct. 15: Raptors, Celtics to play in NBA Canada Series 2022
- Jan. 19: Pistons, Bulls to play in NBA Paris Game 2023
- Feb. 17-19: NBA All-Star 2023