As a lifelong basketball enthusiast and sports analyst, I still remember the electric anticipation building up throughout the summer of 2019. The question on every NBA fan’s mind was simple yet urgent: when does the 2019 NBA regular season start? Having followed the league’s scheduling patterns for years, I can tell you that the 2019–20 season tipped off on October 22, 2019, with a double-header that set the tone for an unforgettable year. The Toronto Raptors, fresh off their first championship, raised their banner before facing the New Orleans Pelicans, while the LA Clippers—newly powered by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George—hosted the Los Angeles Lakers in a showdown that had fans buzzing for months. It’s one of those opening nights that, looking back, really captured the drama and narrative depth the NBA delivers like no other league.
Now, you might wonder why I’m drawing a parallel to boxing, but bear with me—it adds a fascinating layer. Around that same time, I came across news about MP Promotions president and matchmaker Sean Gibbons discussing a boxer named Casimero. Gibbons emphasized that Casero, with his record of 13 wins, 4 losses, and 5 knockouts, would serve as a solid test for a former International Boxing Federation super-flyweight title holder aiming to climb the ranks in the 122-pound division. That idea of a "measuring stick" fight resonates deeply with the NBA’s early-season matchups. Just as in boxing, where carefully chosen opponents reveal a fighter’s readiness, the NBA schedule is strategically packed with games that gauge team potential, expose weaknesses, and set the stage for playoff runs. For instance, the opening week alone featured must-watch games like the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Boston Celtics—a rivalry that never disappoints—and the Houston Rockets taking on the Milwaukee Bucks, pitting James Harden’s offensive genius against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s defensive prowess.
Let’s dive into the full schedule, because honestly, it was a masterclass in balancing entertainment and competitive integrity. The season rolled out over roughly 170 days, with each of the 30 teams playing 82 games. Key dates included the Christmas Day lineup, which, in my opinion, is always a highlight—this year featuring clashes like Lakers vs. Clippers and Nuggets vs. Pelicans. Then there’s the Martin Luther King Jr. Day slate, where social consciousness and sport intersect beautifully. I vividly recall marking my calendar for the Warriors’ visit to the Rockets in early November; it felt like a playoff preview, even if Golden State was navigating post-Durant adjustments. What made the 2019 schedule stand out, though, was the league’s emphasis on player rest and reduced back-to-backs—a move I fully support, as it preserves the quality of play and minimizes injury risks.
When it comes to key matchups, a few instantly come to mind as game-changers. The Lakers vs. Clippers games, for example, weren’t just crosstown rivalries; they were battles for LA’s soul, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis squaring off against Kawhi and PG. Having attended one of those early-season duels, I can say the intensity was palpable—every possession felt like a statement. Similarly, the Eastern Conference had its own gems, like the 76ers vs. Bucks, where Joel Embiid and Giannis went head-to-head in a clash of titans that often hinted at playoff implications. And let’s not forget the under-the-radar games, such as the Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets, where Luka Dončić’s rise added a fresh narrative twist. From a strategic viewpoint, these matchups serve the same purpose as Casimero’s fights in boxing: they test resilience, adaptability, and star power under pressure.
Reflecting on the broader picture, the 2019 NBA season start was more than just a date on the calendar—it symbolized a new era of talent and global appeal. As a analyst, I’ve always believed that the NBA’s scheduling team deserves more credit; they weave storylines that keep fans engaged from October to April. Comparing it to boxing, where Sean Gibbons’ approach to matchmaking ensures fighters are challenged but not overwhelmed, the NBA’s schedule does similarly by balancing high-stakes games with developmental opportunities for younger teams. In conclusion, the 2019–20 season kicked off with a bang, offering a rich tapestry of games that combined historic rivalries, emerging stars, and strategic depth. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, those early matchups provided a perfect entry point into what became one of the most memorable seasons in recent history, proving once again that in sports, as in life, the right tests define greatness.
