While NFL fans will enjoy a tripleheader of games today—Lions vs. Bears, Giants vs. Cowboys, and Dolphins vs. Packers—NBA enthusiasts will have to wait for their action. On Thursday, November 28, 2024, there are no NBA games. For the second time in three weeks, the NBA has scheduled a day off for all its teams. This day of respite comes one month into the season, marking a brief pause in the ongoing campaign.
Why Are There No NBA Games on Thanksgiving?
There are no NBA games today in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. This marks the 14th consecutive year that the NBA has taken a break on Thanksgiving. Although there has never been an official explanation, it has become a yearly tradition for the league to refrain from scheduling games on this day.
Thanksgiving is one of four days during the season when the NBA holds no games, alongside Christmas Eve, Election Day, and the day of the men's NCAA basketball national championship game. The NBA’s decision to pause on Thanksgiving aligns with giving the spotlight to the NFL, which traditionally hosts three games on this holiday, including a primetime matchup.
NBA's Thanksgiving Tradition
The decision to pause the NBA season on Thanksgiving Day has become a familiar one, providing fans a day off from basketball in the midst of the holiday season. While the NFL dominates the holiday with its games, the NBA has always focused on taking a break, allowing football to be the primary attraction.
When Did the NBA Last Have Thanksgiving Day Games?
The last time the NBA played games on Thanksgiving Day was in 2010, when a TNT doubleheader aired on Thursday night. Afterward, the 2011 NBA lockout pushed the start of the season to Christmas, and since then, no games have been scheduled for Thanksgiving.
What’s Next for the NBA?
While Thanksgiving may be devoid of NBA action, fans can look forward to the NBA returning on Friday, November 29, 2024, with 10 games scheduled as part of the NBA Cup tournament. This Black Friday slate includes exciting matchups such as Hornets vs. Knicks at 12 p.m. ET, Grizzlies vs. Pelicans at 5 p.m., and a primetime clash between the Lakers and Thunder at 10 p.m. ET.
Upcoming NBA Breaks in the 202425 Season
Here are other dates when there will be no NBA regularseason games:
Nov. 5, 2024 — Election Day
Nov. 28, 2024 — Thanksgiving Day
Dec. 24, 2024 — Christmas Eve
Feb. 14-16, 2024 — NBA AllStar Weekend in San Francisco
April 7, 2024 — NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship Game
The NBA will resume its regular schedule with plenty of exciting action, including the highly anticipated Christmas Day games.
