New Jersey and the surrounding New York City boroughs are fortunate to have some of the biggest sports teams in the world. It means you are never too far from a major sporting event in the region.
Here is a look at some of the biggest sporting events in and around New Jersey this fall and winter.
Battle of the Hudson Just Before Christmas
The rivalry between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers, known as the Battle of the Hudson, is among the biggest in the National Hockey League (NHL). The two teams will face each other just before Christmas on December 23 at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
Both teams have made an excellent start to the 2024/25 NHL season, so this game could determine who sits at the top of the Metropolitan Division on Christmas Day this year. The New Jersey Devils are +350 to win their division this season. Those looking to place a bet on the Newark-based team should consider that many of the leading operators are taking bets on the NHL, and there are different sportsbook promos to choose from. These include up to $1000 in free bets for new users with Caesars Sportsbook and ESPN BET.
Heading into this season, the Rangers have had the upper hand in the Battle of the Hudson, as they have won the last four meetings between the two teams, including when they prevailed 5-1 on their last visit to Newark.
Dolphins Head to MetLife Stadium
The New York Jets will host the Miami Dolphins in their final regular season game of the 2024/25 NFL campaign on January 5. This is a big match-up in the AFC East, and it could have playoff implications.
This season has not quite gone to plan for the Jets so far, however, they had an excellent home victory over the Houston Texans in week nine. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers was at his best in that game, throwing for 211 yards and scoring three passing touchdowns.
The Dolphins have had their own struggles this season, largely due to their franchise QB Tua Tagovailoa being out injured. The 26-year-old is expected to return before this week 17 showdown at the MetLife Stadium. It should be an entertaining and high-scoring encounter, with Rodgers and Tagovailoa both involved.
Nets Begins NBA Cup at Home to Orlando Magic
The NBA Cup begins in late November, and the Brooklyn Nets will face Orlando Magic in their opening game of the competition at the Barclays Center. It is the second edition of the tournament, and the Nets will be hoping to progress from their group this time around.
Brooklyn is in East Group A along with the Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Charlotte Hornets. The winner of that group progresses into the knockout stages, while the second-placed team could still qualify depending on their number of points. Victory against the Magic will ensure Brooklyn gets off to the best possible start to the NBA Cup.
For details on tickets and timings for the above three events, head to the team’s official website right now.