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The NBA season is a long and gruelling journey, with the 2025-26 season promising to be no different. The regular season tips off towards the end of October, with the league's top stars taking the court and every team aiming for a strong start. The NBA preseason has taken on a global dimension, with games in Melbourne and China, highlighting the league's growing international presence. The regular season ends in mid-April, with the Play-In Tournament giving teams ranked 7th to 10th a final chance to clinch a playoff spot. The NBA Playoffs then begin, with 16 teams battling it out for a chance to reach the NBA Finals, which usually take place in June.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| NBA 2025-2026 regular season games | November 2025 |
| NBA 2025 preseason | Melbourne Games 2025 |
| NBA 2025 postseason preview | Stars, matchups, and X factors |
| NBA 2025 playoff chase end | Sunday, March 30, 2025 |
| NBA 2025 Play-In Tournament | April 15-18, 2025 |
| NBA 2025 Playoffs first round | April 19, 2025 |
| NBA 2025 Conference Semifinals | May 5-6, 2025 |
| NBA 2025 Conference Finals | May 20-21, 2025 |
| NBA 2025 Finals | June 5, 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
Player transfers
The transfer portal offers players the flexibility to explore new options and make decisions that align with their career goals. It also creates a competitive environment, as teams strive to recruit the best talent available. However, the transfer process can be complex and lengthy, with various eligibility criteria and regulations in place.
One notable example of player transfers in college basketball is the Oregon State men's basketball team. The Beavers have experienced a significant roster turnover, with several top players leaving for more lucrative NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals at other schools. For instance, All-WCC forward Michael Rataj transferred to Baylor for a reported $1.6 million deal, while guard Nate Kingz secured $750,000 at Syracuse. Oregon State's decision to prioritise NIL funding for its football program has impacted the resources available for its basketball team.
Additionally, other colleges have also witnessed significant player transfers. For instance, the St. John's transfer to the Longhorns, the Ohio transfer to the Gators, and the Cincinnati transfer to St. John's are notable moves. The Trojans guard, ranked among the top players in the transfer portal, has also attracted interest from multiple colleges. These transfers can significantly reshape the competitive landscape of college basketball, as teams strengthen their rosters or lose key players.
The transfer portal has also been influenced by pending lawsuits and eligibility criteria. In anticipation of potential extra eligibility, several fifth-year seniors have entered the portal, aiming to extend their playing careers. This has further contributed to the dynamic nature of player transfers in college basketball, creating a fluid environment where teams must adapt to changing rosters.
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Budget allocation
Player Salaries and Contracts:
Player salaries typically account for a significant portion of a basketball team's budget. Allocating sufficient funds to attract and retain top players is crucial. This includes considering market value, performance incentives, and long-term contracts to build a strong and consistent roster.
Scouting and Recruitment:
Investing in a robust scouting system is essential for discovering emerging talent. Budget allocation for scouting trips, tryouts, and recruitment events can help identify potential players who fit the team's strategy and culture.
Coaching Staff and Development:
A skilled and experienced coaching staff is vital to a team's success. Budget allocation should include competitive salaries for head coaches, assistant coaches, and specialized trainers. Additionally, providing funds for continuous development and education ensures that the coaching staff remains up-to-date with the latest strategies and techniques.
Training Facilities and Equipment:
Allocating funds towards state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment can greatly enhance player development and performance. This includes investing in sports science, performance analytics, and medical facilities to support player health and recovery.
Marketing and Fan Engagement:
Youth Development and Academies:
Investing in youth development programs and academies can help nurture future talent. Budget allocation for youth coaches, training facilities, and scholarships can establish a strong pipeline of young players and contribute to the long-term success of the organization.
Effective budget allocation requires a balance between investing in immediate needs and planning for long-term sustainability. It involves strategic decision-making, considering market trends, and adapting to the dynamic nature of the sport. By allocating resources efficiently, basketball organizations can maximize their potential for success on and off the court.
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Postseason schedule
The NBA postseason schedule for 2023 began with the play-in tournament, which started on April 11, two days after the end of the regular season on April 9. The first two play-in games saw each conference's No. 7 seed play their conference's No. 8 seed, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed in the NBA Playoffs. The next two play-in games, on April 12, featured the No. 9 and No. 10 seeds from each conference, with the winner of those games facing the loser of the April 11 games.
The first round of the NBA playoffs began on April 15, with the No. 8 seed from each conference taking on the No. 1 seed. The No. 7 seed faced the No. 2 seed, the No. 6 seed played the No. 3 seed, and the No. 5 seed faced the No. 4 seed in the first round. Winners of each round advanced to the NBA Conference semifinals, with the winner of the No. 8 vs. No. 1 series playing the winner of the No. 5 vs. No. 4 series for a place in the conference finals. The NBA Conference semifinals were scheduled to begin on May 1-2, with the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals winners facing off in the conference finals, starting on May 16-17.
The NBA postseason schedule for 2024-25 began with the preseason, which ended on October 18, 2024. Rosters were set for NBA Opening Day on October 21, with the start of the regular season the following day. The 2024-25 NBA regular season ended on Sunday, April 13, 2025, with all 30 teams playing. The play-in tournament started two days later on Tuesday, April 15, and concluded on Friday, April 18. The NBA playoffs then began the next day on Saturday, April 19.
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Regular season schedule
The NBA preseason for the 2025-2026 season takes on a global dimension with the NBA Melbourne Games 2025. The New Orleans Pelicans will travel to Australia to play against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix. The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will also play each other twice in China.
The regular season will tip off towards the end of the month, with the league's top stars taking the court. From the opening weeks, matchups between title contenders and emerging young talents promise thrilling action. November 2025 marks a turning point in the NBA season. After the early adjustments in October, teams are now fully engaged in the competition, looking to establish their playing style and secure crucial victories.
May 2025 is a crucial month in the NBA calendar, as it features the decisive moments of the NBA Playoffs. The second round and Conference Finals are played during this period, determining which teams will represent the East and West in the NBA Finals.
The 2025 NBA Finals will begin on June 5, with the first five games taking place on June 5, 8, 11, 13, and 16. If necessary, the final two games will take place on June 19 and 22.
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Postseason predictions
The Milwaukee Bucks are a strong contender, finishing the season with the NBA's best record, and boasting the impressive Giannis, who will likely be the best player on the floor in most series the Bucks play in. The Bucks also have a healthy Middleton and one of the NBA's deepest and best defensive teams, so they are a definite team to watch.
The Golden State Warriors are also a force to be reckoned with. The return of Andrew Wiggins is huge, and the Warriors have a strong record of playoff success. Steph Curry, Klay, and Dray strike fear into opponents, and they have the advantage over the Lakers, who they beat in a recent meeting.
The Thunder are another team to keep an eye on. They have the best scoring margin ever, and a more straightforward path than other dominant teams. They haven't proven they can win four playoff rounds, but neither had Boston in 2024 or Denver in 2023, so don't be surprised if the Thunder go all the way.
The Lakers are also in the mix, with their bandwagon filling up. However, they have a challenging path, and it remains to be seen if they can make a deep run.
Finally, the Sixers' Joel Embiid is likely to win MVP and will be looking for playoff success to back up his case.
There you have it! A few predictions for the 2023 NBA postseason. Let's see how these teams fare as the playoffs unfold.
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Frequently asked questions
The 2025 NBA Finals will begin on June 5, with the final game being played on June 22.
The NBA playoffs began on April 19.
The NBA preseason usually starts towards the end of the month in which the regular season ends.
The NBA regular season usually starts in October, with teams fully engaged in competition by November.
The NBA Conference Finals will begin on May 20-21, but the dates can be moved up to May 18-19.
