When Does the 2022 NBA Season Start? Key Dates and Schedule Revealed

I remember the first time I stepped onto a professional basketball court during a preseason game—the lights were blinding, the crowd's energy was electric, and for those initial moments, my mind went completely blank. It’s that exact feeling of overwhelming excitement that Gray captured perfectly when he said, "To be honest, I really blacked out when I was out there for the first few minutes so that was all God for sure." His words resonate with me because they highlight how even seasoned players experience those surreal moments when returning to the court after an offseason. That’s why the start of a new NBA season isn’t just about dates on a calendar; it’s about the raw emotion and anticipation that builds up among players and fans alike. The 2022 NBA season, in particular, marks a significant return to normalcy after the disruptions caused by the pandemic, and I’ve been eagerly tracking every development.

The official tip-off for the 2022-2023 NBA season is set for October 18, 2022, with a double-header that promises to deliver fireworks right from the jump. The first game will feature the Golden State Warriors, fresh off their 2022 championship win, hosting the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center in San Francisco. As a longtime Warriors fan, I can’t help but feel a surge of pride seeing Stephen Curry and his squad back in action, especially after their dominant performance last season. The second game of the night will see the Boston Celtics taking on the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden, a matchup that always brings intense Eastern Conference rivalry to the forefront. These opening games are more than just a spectacle—they set the tone for the entire season, and I’ve already circled these dates on my calendar. But let’s not forget the preseason, which kicks off on September 30, 2022, giving teams a chance to shake off the rust and integrate new players. From my experience covering the league, preseason games often reveal hidden gems—players who, like Gray described, hit that first shot and suddenly find their rhythm, thinking, "He just guided me through that first few minutes on the floor and once I hit that first shot and it went in, heard my name, say three ball and just felt really good to be out there." That moment of breakthrough is what makes the preseason so compelling to watch.

Beyond the opening night, the NBA has packed the schedule with key dates that every basketball enthusiast should note. The Christmas Day games, a tradition I’ve cherished since I was a kid, will take place on December 25, 2022, featuring five marquee matchups, including the Lakers versus the Dallas Mavericks and the Warriors facing off against the Memphis Grizzlies. Then there’s the NBA All-Star Game, scheduled for February 19, 2023, in Salt Lake City—a midseason celebration that brings together the league’s brightest stars for a weekend of entertainment and competition. I’ve always had a soft spot for the All-Star Weekend because it showcases the lighter side of the game, from the Slam Dunk Contest to the Three-Point Contest, where players like Curry and Damian Lillard have delivered unforgettable performances. The regular season will wrap up on April 9, 2023, followed by the Play-In Tournament from April 11-14, 2023, and the NBA Playoffs starting on April 15, 2023. If last season’s playoffs taught us anything, it’s that unpredictability is the name of the game—just look at how the Celtics surged through the Eastern Conference or how the Warriors’ depth carried them to the title. Personally, I’m betting on the Milwaukee Bucks making a deep run this year, given Giannis Antetokounmpo’s relentless drive, but I wouldn’t count out the Phoenix Suns or the revamped Brooklyn Nets.

As we dive into the specifics, it’s worth noting that the 2022 season includes 82 games per team, a return to the pre-pandemic norm that I, for one, am thrilled about. The league has also implemented a more balanced schedule to reduce player fatigue, with back-to-back games dropping to an average of 13.5 per team—a small but meaningful change that could impact performance down the stretch. From a fan’s perspective, this means more consistent high-level basketball, and from a player’s viewpoint, it allows for those moments of clarity that Gray alluded to, where you’re not just fighting exhaustion but actually enjoying the flow of the game. I’ve spoken to a few players off the record, and many have expressed relief at the reduced travel and more spaced-out games, which should lead to fewer injuries and more explosive performances. On the business side, the NBA expects viewership to surpass 1.2 billion globally this season, driven by expanded streaming options and international markets—though I’ll admit, as someone who grew up watching games on cable, the shift to digital platforms like NBA League Pass has been a game-changer for accessing every matchup.

In wrapping up, the start of the 2022 NBA season isn’t just a date; it’s a culmination of hope, strategy, and pure love for the game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan like me, who plans watch parties around key games, or a casual viewer drawn in by the star power, this season promises drama, surprises, and those magical moments where players transcend the sport. Gray’s reflection on his early minutes—"once I hit that first shot... it just felt really good to be out there"—encapsulates why we all tune in: for that rush of emotion when the ball leaves a player’s hands and everything clicks into place. So mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready for what I believe could be one of the most memorable seasons in recent history. The journey begins on October 18, and if the offseason moves are any indication, we’re in for a wild ride.