The Brooklyn Nets will kick off the 2024-25 NBA season with a game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta on October 23. Their home opener will follow just four days later. This scheduling reflects a significant shift in the league’s perception of the Nets, as they are now largely excluded from national TV broadcasts.
Comparing their current situation to the 2021-22 season, when the Nets featured stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, reveals a stark contrast. Back then, they had 30 nationally televised games, including 26 on major networks and four on NBA TV. This season, they are scheduled for just one game on major networks, with another four on NBA TV, a dramatic 87% reduction in national exposure.
This drop-off in visibility aligns with the NBA’s broader assessment of the Nets’ rebuilding phase. According to MGM Grand, the team’s projected win total is just 19.5, and NBA2K25 ranks them at the bottom of the league based on player ratings.
Despite these challenges, the team remains determined. New head coach Jordi Fernandez, in his first season, is committed to improving the team’s performance. The Nets’ schedule starts with their game in Atlanta, followed by a match against the Orlando Magic, and their home opener on October 29 against an undetermined opponent. They will conclude the season with a game against the Knicks at Barclays Center on April 13.
Additional notable schedule details include:
– The Nets have 15 back-to-back games, up from 12 in the 2021-22 season, the highest since the condensed 2020-21 schedule.
– Their early season is challenging with 13 of their first 22 games on the road.
– The team faces a tough west coast stretch from January 10 to January 19, including games in Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland, Los Angeles, and Oklahoma City.
– February offers some relief with 10 games, including eight at home and only two road trips to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
– The final stretch of the season includes eight of the last 11 games at Barclays Center, although they have 10 road games between February and April.
Rivalries will be prominent, with matchups against the Knicks on November 15 and 17, January 21, and April 13. The Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, will visit Barclays Center on November 18. March will feature several high-profile games and appearances, including Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul on March 4, Steph Curry and the Warriors on March 6, LeBron James and Anthony Davis on March 8, and Zion Williamson and the Pelicans on March 9.
Other key moments include:
– Jordi Fernandez’s return to Sacramento on November 24, with two Kings assistants.
– Former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson’s return to Brooklyn on February 20, alongside former players Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert.
– Kevin Durant’s lone visit to Brooklyn this season on January 21, with Kyrie Irving and James Harden visiting on March 24 and March 28, respectively.
The date for retiring Vince Carter’s No. 15 jersey has not yet been announced but could be on March 24 against the Mavericks, or March 26 against the Raptors, given their historical connection with Carter and the team.
