The NBA has been opening a week, with official holiday roster officials confirming a series of compelling matches that have buzzed among fans.
Defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will host the flags of Kevin Durant and Houston Rockets on October 21.
Later that night, the Los Angeles Lakers will take over the Golden State Warriors in a prime-time showdown.
2025-26 regular season will be a hit in the doubles Tuesday, October 21 as the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on the Peacock.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and @okcthunder Get the championship ring and hold the championship banner @HoustonRockets… pic.twitter.com/truuegh3zp
– NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 12, 2025
History will be created in the second game. After LeBron James stepped onto the floor, the 40-year-old will play his biggest season in league history, thus starting his 23rd year in the NBA.
Christmas will feature traditional five games and include the following teams:
-Cavaliers vs. Knicks at 12 pm ET
– at 2:30 PM ET Spurs vsthe
-Mavericks vs. Warriors at 5 pm ET
– The Pencil and the Lakers at 8 pm Eastern Time
– timberwolves vs. Nuggets at 10:30 PM ET
One of the most anticipated early showdowns will take place on October 22, when Dallas Mavericks rookie and first-ranked Cooper Flagg made his debut with his debut on second-place picks Dylan Harper and San Antonio Masturs.
This will be the second time in league history to face each other to start a career.
Thunder will then meet the Indiana Pacers the next night, followed by the Nuggets and the Warriors.
ESPN will begin the 2025-26 regular season game coverage on Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23. pic.twitter.com/g7b7apbaeq
– NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 12, 2025
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