The NBA has released its most anticipated schedule matchups in a post by ESPN’s Shams Charania, featuring the Opening Night and Christmas Day games for the 2025–26 season, delivering marquee showdowns and setting the tone for a star-studded campaign.

Opening Night (October 21)

Opening Night on October 21 will be broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock, spotlighting two blockbuster matchups:

− Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder: A thrilling homecoming for former Thunder star Kevin Durant as he returns with Houston to face the reigning champions.
− Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers: A high-voltage matchup featuring Stephen Curry and LeBron James, with LeBron entering his record-breaking 23rd NBA season.

Christmas Day (December 25)

The holiday slate promises five consecutive nationally televised games, packed with compelling narratives and rivalries, to air on ABC, ESPN, and streaming platforms. The schedule includes:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers @ New York Knicks — A high-stakes Eastern Conference preview at Madison Square Garden.
2. San Antonio Spurs @ Oklahoma City Thunder — Featuring the defending NBA champions, the Thunder, against rising superstar Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.
3. Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Lakers — A renewed Durant-versus-LeBron showdown packed with star power.
4. Dallas Mavericks @ Golden State Warriors — A fresh chapter as rookie Cooper Flagg faces off against Stephen Curry’s Warriors.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets — Closes out the day with a Western Conference clash featuring Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic.

Opening Night passages build excitement around new dynamics and rivalry renewals – especially Durant’s return to OKC and the enduring Lakers-Warriors, James-Curry rivalry. Christmas Day continues the NBA’s tradition of elite storytelling, blending dynasties and rising stars on a festive stage, as NBC’s expanded footprint – including its Opening Day coverage – marks a significant shift in broadcast strategy, signaling the league’s evolving media landscape.

These scheduling highlights promise an electrifying launch and a festive climax to the NBA's regular season, setting up what could be a memorable year of hoops.