NBA's 80th campaign commences on October 21 as the Rockets face off against the Thunder
The 2025-26 NBA season is set to tip off on October 21, 2025, with a thrilling lineup of matchups. The regular season, which concludes on April 12, 2026, will kick off with two highly anticipated games: the Houston Rockets facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Golden State Warriors taking on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kevin Durant, who will be playing for the Rockets, will return to Oklahoma City for the first time since his departure. This game promises to be a significant moment, especially as it follows a star-studded showdown between Stephen Curry and LeBron James in the later game of the opening night doubleheader.
The Christmas Day schedule on December 25, 2025, will feature five games, including a rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets, and a high-profile matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors, showcasing top rookies and stars.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will also play against the San Antonio Spurs on December 25, marking their first Christmas Day game against the Spurs since 2018. The Thunder will raise their championship banner before the game.
In addition to these key dates and marquee matchups, the NBA Cup tournament will run from October 31 to December 16, 2025. International games are also scheduled, such as the Detroit Pistons vs. Dallas Mavericks in Mexico City on November 1, 2025, and the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic in Berlin on January 15, 2026.
Notable return games and star reunions are also on the schedule. For example, Kevin Durant will return to Phoenix on November 24, and Anthony Davis will make his return to Los Angeles on November 28.
ESPN and ABC will broadcast blockbuster opening week doubleheaders on October 22 and 23, featuring teams such as the Cavaliers, Knicks, Spurs, Mavericks, Thunder, Pacers, Nuggets, and Warriors.
The season will also see the debut of Victor Wembanyama for the San Antonio Spurs on October 22, after he missed the end of last season due to deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder. The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Houston Rockets to open the season, and the later game on opening night will feature the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will visit the New York Knicks on December 25, marking the Knicks' 57th Christmas appearance. Klay Thompson will also return to San Francisco with the Dallas Mavericks to play against the Golden State Warriors on December 25.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day games on January 19 will include Dallas at New York, Oklahoma City at Cleveland, and Boston at Detroit. LeBron James will compete in his 23rd NBA campaign in the 2025-26 season.
The 2022-23 NBA season will begin on October 21, setting the stage for another exciting year of basketball. With these key dates and marquee matchups, fans are in for a treat as the new season approaches.
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