The NBA will tip off its 2025-26 season on NBC on Tuesday, Oct. 21 with two Western Conference games, ESPN reported.
The doubleheader begins with the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets. The second game is an intra-state battle in Los Angeles with the Lakers hosting the Golden State Warriors.
This season marks NBC’s return to televising NBA games, and the evening will feature the defending champions and three teams who are chasing them in the West.
The Rockets made big offseason moves, acquiring Kevin Durant in an attempt to dethrone Oklahoma City, which brings back all of its key players, including 2024-25 MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Warriors are trying to win another title with Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, who joined the team at last season’s trade deadline, and while the Lakers are transitioning from the LeBron James era to the Luka Doncic era, they are pursuing a title with the James-Doncic combo.
NBA opening night for 2025-26 season
Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers