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What is NBA Rivals Week?
First introduced in 2022, NBA Rivals Week dedicates a week in January to showcasing the league’s most compelling matchups. Rivalries—whether steeped in decades of history or recently kindled through playoff battles—take the spotlight, promising intense competition and unforgettable moments.
For the 2025 edition, 10 nationally televised games will unfold over five days, providing fans with a packed schedule of can’t-miss basketball.
When is NBA Rivals Week?
NBA Rivals Week runs from Tuesday, January 21, to Saturday, January 25, 2025. Games will be broadcast on four major networks—TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV—ensuring fans have multiple ways to tune in and witness the drama.
2025 NBA Rivals Week Matchups
All times listed are in Eastern Time (ET):
- January 21
- New York Knicks at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m. (TNT)
- Philadelphia 76ers at Denver Nuggets, 10:00 p.m. (TNT)
- January 22
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings, 10:00 p.m. (ESPN)
- January 23
- Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks, 7:30 p.m. (TNT)
- Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers, 10:00 p.m. (TNT)
- January 24
- New Orleans Pelicans at Memphis Grizzlies, 8:00 p.m. (NBA TV)
- January 25
- Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves, 3:00 p.m. (ABC)
- Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks, 5:30 p.m. (ABC)
- Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors, 8:30 p.m. (ABC)
Biggest Storylines of 2025 NBA Rivals Week
January 21: Knicks vs. Nets
“Battle of the Boroughs” heats up as the Knicks look to extend their eight-game winning streak against the Nets. Despite the Knicks’ dominance, recent matchups have been close, with three of the last five games decided by five points or fewer. Can Brooklyn turn the tide on their home court?
January 21: 76ers vs. Nuggets
MVP bragging rights are on the line as Joel Embiid (2023 MVP) faces Nikola Jokić (2021, 2022, and 2024 MVP) in their first meeting of the season. Embiid holds a 6-2 head-to-head advantage, adding intrigue to this East-meets-West showdown.
January 22: Timberwolves vs. Mavericks
A rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Finals, which saw Dallas triumph in five games. With the teams splitting their first two games this season, this meeting could set the tone for another potential playoff clash.
January 22: Warriors vs. Kings
This Northern California rivalry has intensified over the years, with the Kings avenging their 2023 playoff loss by eliminating the Warriors in the 2024 SoFi Play-In Tournament. The stakes are personal and high for both squads.
January 23: Heat vs. Bucks
Three playoff battles in five years have defined this rivalry, with the winner each time advancing to the NBA Finals. Their 2025 Rivals Week clash is set to reignite the fire as both teams fight for Eastern Conference supremacy.
January 23: Celtics vs. Lakers
No rivalry is more iconic than Boston vs. Los Angeles. The Celtics lead the Lakers 18-17 in NBA titles, and their 12 Finals matchups, where Boston holds a 9-3 edge, are legendary. This game is more than a rivalry—it’s basketball history on display.
January 24: Pelicans vs. Grizzlies
A battle of the 2019 Draft’s top two picks, Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, promises high-flying action and fierce competition. With their head-to-head record tied at 4-4, this matchup could shift the balance of their young and exciting rivalry.
January 25: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves
The Timberwolves made history in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, staging the largest Game 7 comeback to eliminate Denver. Expect fireworks as the teams meet again, with both looking to make a statement.
January 25: Celtics vs. Mavericks
The 2024 NBA Finals rematch sees Boston visiting Dallas for the first time since their dominant championship run. The Celtics’ remarkable 80-21 record from last season solidifies their legacy, but Dallas will look to avenge their loss on home soil.
January 25: Lakers vs. Warriors
Closing out Rivals Week, LeBron James and Stephen Curry meet for their 25th regular-season showdown. With their rivalry split 12-12 in the regular season and highlighted by four consecutive Finals matchups, this game epitomizes competitive greatness.
Additional Themes to Watch in 2025 NBA Rivals Week
Emerging Rivalries
While traditional matchups dominate the headlines, the league’s younger stars are crafting the rivalries of tomorrow. Keep an eye on teams like the Grizzlies and Pelicans, whose rising talent could redefine the landscape for years to come.
Playoff Implications
Rivals Week isn’t just for show—it often carries significant playoff implications. With tightly contested conference standings, these games could determine tiebreakers and seeding come postseason time.
Star Power on Display
From LeBron and Curry to Embiid and Jokić, Rivals Week guarantees a showcase of the NBA’s brightest stars. These games are not only about team pride but also individual legacies.
How to Watch NBA Rivals Week
Fans can catch the action live on TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV. Check local listings for coverage in your area and consider streaming options for added convenience.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data as of the publication date. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, schedules, matchups, and other details related to the 2025 NBA Rivals Week are subject to change. The NBA and its broadcasting partners may update game times, dates, or lineups without prior notice. Readers are advised to verify details through official NBA sources or authorized broadcasters for the most current information. This article does not represent the NBA or any affiliated organization.
Source: NBA News
