The NBA tipped off its 2025-26 schedule release on “Good Morning America” and “The TODAY Show,” revealing the Opening Night doubleheader, Christmas Day matchups, and the MLK Day slate.
Opening Night on NBC begins Tuesday, Oct. 21, in Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending champion Thunder will raise their 2024-25 title banner before hosting Kevin Durant and the revamped Houston Rockets.
The night’s second game features the latest meeting between LeBron James and Stephen Curry. James will become the first player to reach a 23rd NBA season, while Luka Doncic plays his first season opener with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Opening week continues with ESPN doubleheaders. On Oct. 22, Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers visit Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks, followed by No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks facing No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs in their debuts, alongside Victor Wembanyama’s return.
On Oct. 23, the Thunder and Indiana Pacers will play a Finals rematch, followed by Curry’s Golden State Warriors hosting Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
Peacock will stream exclusive games starting Oct. 27, beginning with Detroit hosting Cleveland. The nightcap features Minnesota against Denver, with the Timberwolves riding a six-game winning streak in the series.
The league’s 78th Christmas Day slate tips off Dec. 25 with the Knicks hosting the Cavaliers. Oklahoma City will face San Antonio, Golden State hosts the Dallas Mavericks, and LeBron James’ Lakers meet Kevin Durant’s Rockets in primetime. The day closes with Denver against Minnesota.
MLK Day on Jan. 19, 2026, starts with Milwaukee facing Atlanta on Peacock. NBC’s tripleheader opens in Cleveland against Oklahoma City, followed by Cooper Flagg’s first Madison Square Garden game as Dallas visits New York. The Pistons host the Boston Celtics in the nightcap.
The NBA will continue releasing the rest of the 2025-26 schedule over the coming week, including NBA Cup dates and opponents.
