Which teams have the most nationally televised games?

The 2024–25 NBA schedule was made public by the league on Thursday. It featured a full schedule of games for the first week of play, games on Christmas Day, and the third Rivalry Week. The Opening Night is on October in just over two months. 22, so the anticipation for the upcoming season will be the focus of all attention in the interim. But beyond all the intrigue around matchups like Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay Area on Nov. Or Paul George playing the Clippers again on November 12? 6. Examining which teams will be viewed the most nationally is another intriguing addition to the schedule release.

While it doesn’t take long to look through each team’s schedule and determine where they all stand in terms of national television coverage, the league never makes a point of revealing to us which teams are receiving the greatest attention in that regard. Not surprisingly, the biggest brands in the leagues and the defending champions are at the top of the list. It also reveals which players or teams the league believes are rising and which have lost appeal by examining which teams are showing up for the most games on national television. Additionally, you can observe how the number of games each team plays on national television is affected by offseason decisions.

Having said that, let’s examine the rankings of all 30 teams in nationally televised games for the 2024–25 season and provide some context for their placements. Due to the fact that not everyone has access to NBATV, only games on ESPN/ABC and TNT will be considered nationally televised for this purpose.

thirty. Washington Wizards.

There is one game that is televised nationally.

This is not at all surprising. The fact that the Wizards’ only nationally televised game is on January is surprising. 16 at home game against the Phoenix Suns. I anticipated that the league would have one of the October. 28 or October. Thirty games featuring the No. Zaccharie Risacher, the first pick in this summer’s draft, went up against No. When the Wizards and Hawks play a home-and-home, pick #2 is Alex Starr. However, it was obvious that the league didn’t like either of those contests.

29). Raptors of Toronto.

Number of games aired nationally on television: 1.

The Raptors would have ranked in the middle of this list a few years ago, but they made a shift towards a youth movement after trading away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, losing Fred VanVleet to free agency, and making a number of other moves. They’ve fallen a few rungs as a result. Nevertheless, I believed that their youthful core, which included RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, would have earned at least a few more nationally televised games. On January, at the very least, we’ll get to see them play the Knicks on national television. 8.

28. Portland Blazers basketball team.

Number of games aired nationally on television: 1.

There isn’t much national interest in the Blazers because they are rebuilding. Combine that with the No. 9’s sluggish opening performance. Scoot Henderson is the number three pick in the 2023 NAB Draft, and Portland will only have one nationally televised game. On January, the Milwaukee Bucks and former Blazers star Damian Lillard will be their guests. 28 is the primetime slot for them.

27. Detroit Pistons.

There is one game that is televised nationally.

In the Pistons’ only nationally televised game of the season, they will host the 76ers on February. 7. The team changed a lot during the offseason, starting with the front office and adding new coach J. C. Bickerstaff. The group is hoping that this year will mark the beginning of real progress in their rebuilding process.

26. The Charlotte Hornets.

Number of games aired nationally on television: 1.

Because they had such exciting players on their roster a few years ago, the Hornets seemed like a young team about to make waves across America. However, LaMelo Ball’s injuries tempered the enthusiasm and advancement, and as a result, they frequently finish in the lower half of the Eastern Conference. On January, they play the Chicago Bulls in a game that will be broadcast nationwide. 17 in a matchup between the Ball brothers, and unlike previous years because of injuries to both LaMelo and Lonzo Ball, this could be the year that the matchup takes place.

25. Brooklyn Eagles.

There is one game that is televised nationally.

This summer, the Nets traded Mikal Bridges to the Knicks, raising the white flag and officially starting the rebuilding process. When the Big 3 of James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant were on this team two years ago, they would have placed in the top five on this list. Brooklyn’s decline from the summit of the league has been steep, and their lone national stage game will be on January 13 against the Knicks. Twenty-One.

24. Jazz of Utah.

There are two games that are televised nationally.

Surprisingly, the Jazz have one more game than the teams below them in this rankings, but the league has obviously decided there’s enough interest to justify two nationally televised games. On January, they’ll host the Timberwolves and Rudy Gobert. 30 before making the trip to the Suns for an additional primetime game.

23. The Chicago Bulls.

Two games are televised nationally.

The Bulls are a fantastic “What If” fantasy team from a few years back. Things might have turned out differently for this team if Lonzo Ball hadn’t been hurt, but as it is, they will be starting the season with the lowest expectations in the last four years.

21. The Atlanta Hawks.

There are two games that are aired nationally.

Getting the No. 1 overall pick didn’t do much to move the Hawks up the rankings, and ironically, their two nationally televised games are against the No. The Spurs and No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama.

22. Houston Rockets.

Three games are aired nationally on television.

We might look back on this list and say that Houston should have received more national attention because they have the potential to be a play-in team this season. Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr. are young, rising talents. and the seasoned player in VanVleet, Houston has all the makings of a winning team for the upcoming campaign.

20. Magic of Orlando.

Five games are aired nationally on television.

The Magic didn’t have enough points to rank higher on this list, despite making the playoffs and having Paolo Banchero selected as an All-Star. They usually don’t draw in the average fan because they play strong defense and have low scoring games. However, they forced the Cavaliers into seven games in one of the best first-round series of the previous campaign. Never underestimate how thrilling the Magic are.

19. Sacramento Kings.

Six games are broadcast nationwide.

The Kings slipped a little last season after snapping a two-year playoff drought, so this position makes sense. It will also be challenging for the Kings to make it back to the postseason in a crowded Western Conference. But with the addition of DeMar DeRozan to the lineup, they have an explosive offensive unit. If nothing else, they ought to play a few more games so that, following a victory, they can light the beam.

18. The Miami Heat.

Seven games are televised nationally.

The Heat are such an enigmatic group. They play mediocre ball during the regular season and typically limp into the playoffs, but they usually have some kind of amazing run in the postseason. However, it seems like that magic might have worn off this year more than others, and the absence of games that are nationally televised indicates as much.

17. Cavaliers of Cleveland.

Eight games are aired nationally on television.

For the Cavs, middle of the pack makes sense. They have a star in Donovan Mitchell, but he’s not nearly as well-known as the groups and individuals who rank higher than him. Although Cleveland advanced to the second round of the playoffs the previous year, it is obvious that this did not qualify them for a higher ranking.

16. The New Orleans Pelicans.

Nine games are aired nationally on television.

Zion Williamson alone could have propelled the Pelicans far higher on this list just a few years ago. Nevertheless, it is dangerous to play the Pelicans on national television due to his ongoing injuries. New Orleans is a thrilling team when healthy, but they have consistently struggled to stay well. Maybe this is the year they avoid the injury bug as much.

In 15. Grizzlies in Memphis.

Nine games are televised nationally.

The Grizzlies’ previous season ended in defeat due to Ja Morant’s season-ending surgery following his suspension. It can be difficult to recall, therefore, that the Grizzlies were among the league’s most entertaining teams prior to that point, thanks in large part to Jared Morant’s exceptional play and charisma. They will undoubtedly be thrilling every time they play on the national stage, even though this season’s lack of national games will seem like a mistake with him leading the way.

14. Los Angeles Clippers.

Nine games are broadcast nationwide.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden are still there, but Paul George is no longer there. The Clippers are constantly hampered by injuries. There are no complaints here; nine games seems fair considering that you have to consult the injury report a million times before the Clippers play.

13. The Indiana Pacers.

Nine games are televised nationwide.

The Pacers had a historically excellent offense that led them to the Eastern Conference finals, and Tyrese Haliburton was the subject of some MVP talk at the beginning of the previous campaign. That number should only increase in the future if they continue on their current trajectory, which has me surprised that they don’t actually have more games.

12. Spurs of San Antonio.

Thirteen games are televised nationwide.

The Spurs are ranked this high, so you shouldn’t be shocked that they are now in the double digits. That is Victor Wembanyama’s power. He comes back to San Antonio to make an impression on the rest of the league following his incredible performance during France’s silver medal run at the Olympics. Chris Paul is in the backcourt this time for him. Even if they don’t win many games, the Spurs will always be a must-watch team on TV.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder.

Fifteen games are televised nationally.

The Thunder won the Western Conference title and advanced to the second round of the playoffs; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came in second in the MVP voting, and Chet Holmgren was runner-up for Rookie of the Year. They still have a vault full of precious picks for improvement, even after adding Alex Caruso to the mix. This is a rapidly developing team that, to be honest, ought to play in more games than some of the teams above. With a fervent fan base and one of the best homecourt advantages in the league, this small-market team should garner more national attention from the league in the future.

Ten. Milwaukee Bulls.

17 games are broadcast nationally on television.

Last season, injuries derailed the Bucks, and they lost to the Pacers in the first round of the playoffs. But Giannis Antetokounmpo’s star power is what makes these games nationally televised. The Bucks will continue to attract a lot of national attention even though they aren’t as strong as they were when they won a championship in 2021. He has been one of the faces of the league for the past few years.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves.

There are 18 games that are televised nationally.

At the box office are the Timberwolves. To be more precise, Anthony Edwards is box office. I wouldn’t mind if you gave the Timberwolves 30 games. One of the best stories to emerge from the playoffs the previous season was this team’s infectious personality, which is a pleasure to watch. Even though they didn’t make many roster changes, Edwards alone should have earned them this spot. Let’s see if they can duplicate last season’s success.

8. Phoenix Suns.

Nineteen games are broadcast nationally on television.

This Suns schedule surprises me with how many games they have. Indeed, one of the league’s biggest stars is Kevin Durant, who along with Devin Booker just won an Olympic gold medal. But the Suns’ lack of depth hurt them badly in the previous campaign, and they haven’t really addressed it much this offseason. They have one more game than the Timberwolves, but I firmly believe that Oklahoma City and Minnesota ought to be in front of them in this standing.

7. the Philadelphia 76ers.

There are twenty-one games that are aired nationwide.

Enough said about Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George. When they attempt to make it to the Eastern Conference finals, the Sixers will be among the most fascinating teams this season. Philadelphia should finish close to the top of the East, which justifies this many nationally televised games, provided that Embiid stays healthy.

6. Denver Mavericks.

22 games are televised nationally.

The Nuggets’ upcoming season will be crucial. Two championships from now, but the team that appeared to be destined for greatness is gradually evolving into one that might have to make some tough choices soon. Even though he isn’t the league’s most flamboyant star, Nikola Jokic and his three MVPs deserve this level of national respect.

5. The Dallas Mavericks.

23 games are broadcast nationally on television.

After an unexpected run to the NBA Finals, Dallas is one of the league’s most exciting teams going into this season, especially with the addition of Klay Thompson to an already talented group that includes Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. With Doncic and Irving in the backcourt, the Mavericks should continue to be as explosive offensively as we witnessed last season.

4. The New York Knicks.

There are 24 games that are televised nationally.

Yes, it’s true—the Knicks are back. They traded for Bridges, signed Jalen Brunson to a highly team-friendly contract, and added Anunoby during by far their best offseason. They are a generally entertaining team to watch at Madison sq\. Garden and are well-equipped to challenge the Celtics at the top of the East.

3. The Golden State Warriors.

There are 24 games that are televised nationwide.

In terms of determining which teams will have the most games televised nationally, having Stephen Curry on your team is extremely important. The Warriors didn’t take any offseason action that would indicate they could improve upon their play-in tournament exit from the previous season. The only game that everyone has marked on their calendars is Klay Thompson’s November return to the Bay Area. 12, which the Warriors supporters ought to greet with open arms. However, you can be sure that there will be a ton of emotion and trash talking on both sides during that matchup.

2. The Boston Celtics.

There are 26 games that are televised nationwide.

The team that recently won the championship should definitely have the most games televised nationally if I’m creating the schedule, but that’s just me. The difference in games between the No. 1 and the opposite. 2 spot on this list, but it can feel a little demeaning to Boston given that the team ranked #1 here didn’t even advance past the first round of the playoffs. That will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for them this season as they attempt to defend their title, something they are more than capable of doing.

1. The Los Angeles Lakers.

There are 27 games that are nationally televised.