Key games and dates on the NBA schedule for Sixers fans to know

The Sixers 2024-25 schedule was released on Thursday, but there's much more to it than just their games. The NBA calendar is full of key dates for Philly fans to know — including, of course, a couple of matchups they won't want to miss.

Oct. 1: First day of preseason practice

Media day will take place a day earlier, but this marks the first time Joel Embiid, Paul George, and the rest of the Sixers can practice together in an official capacity.

Oct. 11: Sixers preseason opener in Des Moines, Iowa

The Sixers will open the preseason against Minnesota with a homecoming game for coach Nick Nurse, who is from Carroll, Iowa. But Des Moines is a second home, as Nurse coached the city's G League team, then the D League Energy, to a title.

Oct. 13: Doug Collins enshrined in Basketball Hall of Fame

All eyes will be on the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., as its new class — including former Sixers player and coach Doug Collins and Chester’s Bo Ryan, who coached at Wisconsin for 15 seasons — is enshrined.

Oct. 23: Sixers open the regular season at home

This matchup with the Bucks isn't just the home opener for the Sixers, it's also their season opener. But more than that, it's Paul George's first regular-season game in Philly. Oh, Doc Rivers will be there, too.

Oct. 30: Tobias Harris returns to Philly

Tobias Harris, now with the Pistons, spent five-plus seasons in Philly. Many fans were happy to see him leave in free agency after a disappointing stint as one of the team's top-paid players, including a scoreless Game 6 vs. the Knicks.

Nov. 6: Paul George’s return to Los Angeles

New Sixer Paul George, the team's $212 million offseason acquisition, won't have to wait long to make his return to his hometown of Los Angeles. The Sixers are set to visit the Clippers just two weeks after the season begins.

Nov. 12: Sixers vs. Knicks in first NBA Cup game

The 'Nova Knicks — now with Mikal Bridges — will be in Philly for the first group game of this year's NBA Cup. The Nets, Magic, and Hornets round out the group, and if the Sixers advance out of that stage, the quarterfinals begin Dec. 10.

Dec. 25: Christmas Day game vs. Boston

The Sixers are becoming a staple on Christmas, one of the NBA's biggest days. This year, they'll face Jayson Tatum and the defending champion Boston Celtics. The Sixers lost to the Miami Heat last year, and are 19-14 overall on Christmas.

Jan. 28: LeBron's last game in Philly?

LeBron James never said he's retiring — and he showed no signs of slowing up during the Olympics — but if his ultimate goal is to play with his son, something he'll accomplish this season with Bronny on the Lakers, could this be his finale?

Feb. 6, 2025: NBA trade deadline

Daryl Morey had a busy offseason — but that doesn't mean the Sixers' roster is ready for a playoff run. Like they did last season with four trades and the signing of Kyle Lowry, Morey is always looking to improve. The deadline is at 3 p.m.

Feb. 14-16, 2025: NBA All-Star weekend

Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George were all named NBA All-Stars last season. Will the trio be back this time around? Last season, no team had more than two players make the All-Star Game.

April 13, 2025: Sixers' last regular-season game

The Sixers will wrap up their regular-season schedule with a matinee against the Chicago Bulls. And there's some good news for Embiid: The Sixers don't play any back-to-backs in the month of April.

April 15-18, 2025: NBA Play-In Tournament

The Sixers played in the NBA Play-In Tournament for the first time last season, beating the Heat without Joel Embiid to advance. Their prize? A first-round matchup against the New York Knicks, which they eventually lost in six games.

April 19, 2025: NBA playoffs begin

The Sixers will be hoping to avoid the Play-In Tournament this season and start their playoff run in the first round. Even better? Doing that at home. But they'll need to finish as one of the top four seeds first.