When Does the 2021 NBA Season Start? Key Dates and Schedule Revealed

2025-11-17 09:00

As an avid NBA fan and someone who has followed the league for over a decade, I remember the anticipation building up around the 2021 season like it was yesterday. The league had just wrapped up one of the most unusual seasons in history inside the Orlando bubble, and everyone was wondering what Commissioner Adam Silver had in store for us next. The official announcement came in November 2020—the 2021 NBA season would tip off on December 22, 2020, which technically made it the 2020-21 season, but let’s be real, we all called it the 2021 season. That start date was about two months earlier than many expected, and it sent teams scrambling to prepare.

I recall thinking how this compressed timeline would impact player fatigue and team chemistry. The turnaround from the Lakers winning the championship in October to training camps opening in early December felt brutally short. Teams had roughly a month to conduct draft preparations, free agency, and training camps—normally these processes span several months. The league office managed to squeeze in a 72-game schedule instead of the usual 82, which I thought was a smart compromise to balance player health with financial necessities. The Christmas Day games, always a marquee event, took on extra significance with high-profile matchups like the Nets vs Celtics and Mavericks vs Lakers drawing massive viewership numbers.

When I look back at that period, one quote that stuck with me came from a coaching clinic speech I read about, where a speaker named Chambers remarked, "We change, you work harder," adding, "But I think we will use it as a blessing in disguise." That sentiment perfectly captured the mindset across the NBA. Franchises had to adapt to new protocols, condensed travel, and unpredictable roster changes due to health and safety measures. I remember discussing with fellow analysts how this "blessing in disguise" idea played out—some teams, like the Phoenix Suns, used the situation to build resilience and made a stunning run to the Finals, while others struggled with the relentless schedule.

The key dates were crucial for fans planning their viewing schedules. Aside from the December 22 tip-off, the NBA All-Star Game was scheduled for March 7 in Atlanta, though I’ll be honest, I had mixed feelings about holding it mid-pandemic. On one hand, it provided much-needed entertainment; on the other, it felt risky. The playoffs began on May 22, 2021, and the Finals concluded on July 20, with the Milwaukee Bucks clinching the title—a personal favorite moment, as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance was incredible to watch. Throughout, the league incorporated flexible scheduling for nationally televised games, which I believe helped maintain audience engagement despite the odd timing.

Reflecting on that season, it’s clear the NBA’s ability to pivot was impressive. The schedule included back-to-backs increasing by roughly 15% compared to previous years, and teams played an average of 3.4 games per week, leading to noticeable player load management debates. As someone who’s studied sports analytics, I appreciated how data-driven decisions helped minimize COVID-19 disruptions, though it wasn’t perfect—there were over 30 postponed games, if I recall correctly. In the end, the 2021 season proved that adversity can fuel innovation, and Chambers’ words echoed the league’s ethos: adapt, work harder, and find opportunity in chaos. It wasn’t just a season; it was a testament to resilience in sports.