The NBA has made its opening week and holiday lineups official, confirming a string of high-profile matchups that were already buzzing among fans.
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will raise their banner on October 21 when they host Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Later that night, the Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Golden State Warriors in a primetime showdown.
The 2025-26 regular season will tip off with a doubleheader on Tuesday, Oct. 21 as the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock.
🏀 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the @okcthunder receive their championship rings and raise their championship banner before hosting the @HoustonRockets… pic.twitter.com/TRuUEgH3zP
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 12, 2025
History will be made in that second game. Once LeBron James steps on the floor, the 40-year-old will pass Vince Carter for the most seasons played in league history, starting his 23rd year in the NBA.
Christmas Day will feature the traditional five-games and include the following teams:
-Cavaliers vs. Knicks at 12 p.m. ET
-Spurs vs. Thunder at 2:30 p.m. ET
-Mavericks vs. Warriors at 5 p.m. ET
-Rockets vs. Lakers at 8 p.m. ET
-Timberwolves vs. Nuggets at 10:30 p.m. ET
One of the most anticipated early-season matchups will come on October 22, when Dallas Mavericks rookie and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg makes his debut against No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs.
It will be just the second time in league history that the top two draft picks have faced each other to start their careers.
The Thunder will then meet the Indiana Pacers the following night, followed by the Nuggets and Warriors.
ESPN will begin its 2025-26 regular-season game coverage with opening-week doubleheaders on Wednesday, Oct. 22 and Thursday, Oct. 23. pic.twitter.com/g7B7apbAeQ
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 12, 2025
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