2025-26 NBA Season Tips Off Oct. 21; Durant vs. LeBron Headlines Christmas Slate
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The NBA will launch its 2025-26 campaign on Oct. 21, opening with the Houston Rockets visiting the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The matchup marks Kevin Durant’s first game in a Rockets uniform and coincides with Oklahoma City’s championship banner ceremony.
The second contest of opening night sends the Golden State Warriors to Los Angeles to face the Lakers. NBC, returning to NBA coverage, will televise both games.
Christmas Day Lineup
Five games are set for Dec. 25, all airing on ABC and ESPN:
- Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks — Madison Square Garden hosts the traditional noon start in a showdown of last season’s top Eastern Conference contenders.
- Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers — Durant meets LeBron James and Luka Dončić in the day’s marquee matchup.
- Golden State Warriors at Dallas Mavericks — Stephen Curry squares off against rookie standout Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis in Dallas.
- San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder — Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama visits the defending champions.
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets — A rematch of last season’s seven-game postseason thriller closes the holiday schedule.
The Indiana Pacers, despite winning the Eastern Conference last season, are absent from both opening night and the Christmas slate. Boston, another recent power in the East, is also off the two high-profile dates.
Imagem: Vivek Jacob via basketballinsiders.org
The regular season will continue through mid-April, followed by the Play-In Tournament and the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Detailed broadcast information for games beyond opening night and Christmas is expected later this summer.
Source: Basketball Insiders
