Get ready, basketball fans! The highly anticipated NBA 2025-26 schedule has officially dropped, revealing a thrilling lineup of games that promise to ignite the season. From championship celebrations to historic rookie debuts and intense rivalry matchups, the league’s confirmed fixture list offers a roadmap to what will surely be an unforgettable year. This comprehensive release provides an early look at opening night, a jam-packed Christmas Day, and the traditional Martin Luther King Jr. Day slate, alongside details on a monumental new media rights deal.
A New Era: NBA Returns to NBC and Expands Streaming
The 2025-26 season marks a monumental shift in how fans will experience NBA basketball. The league has inked a massive 11-year, $76 billion media rights agreement. This groundbreaking deal welcomes NBC back into the fold after a two-decade hiatus, with its last broadcasts dating back to the 2001-02 season. NBC’s return significantly expands the league’s reach, joining existing partners Disney (ABC/ESPN) and new digital powerhouse Amazon.
NBC’s commitment is clear, kicking off its renewed coverage with a season-opening doubleheader. Beyond traditional television, the deal emphasizes streaming. Peacock, NBC’s dedicated streaming platform, will host exclusive games every Monday throughout the regular season. This innovative approach ensures fans have more ways than ever to catch the action.
Star-Studded Broadcast Talent
To enhance the viewing experience, NBC is assembling a high-profile team of former NBA superstars. Confirmed personalities joining the broadcast crew include Carmelo Anthony, Jamal Crawford, and Reggie Miller. In a move set to generate immense buzz, the legendary Michael Jordan is also slated to join as a special contributor. This lineup promises unparalleled insight and commentary throughout the season.
Electrifying Opening Night: Kicking Off the Season with a Bang
The 2025-26 NBA season is set to tip off on Tuesday, October 21, with an electrifying double-header broadcast on NBC.
The night begins at 7:30 p.m. ET as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder host Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets. This game will be more than just a season opener; it’s a championship celebration. The Thunder will unveil their banner and hold their ring ceremony, adding an extra layer of intrigue with Durant facing his former team.
Later that evening, at 10 p.m. ET, the action shifts to the West Coast. The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Golden State Warriors. This highly anticipated matchup is particularly notable for LeBron James. At 40 years old, he is set to begin his 23rd NBA season, a remarkable feat that will see him surpass Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history.
Rookie Showdown and Early Season Marquee Games
The excitement continues right into the following nights. On Wednesday, October 22, ESPN will feature a historical matchup at 9:30 p.m. ET. The Dallas Mavericks, featuring No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg, will host No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs. This contest marks only the second time in league history that the top two overall draft picks will face each other to open their careers. Flagg, coming off a sensational freshman campaign at Duke, is already a favorite for Rookie of the Year. Another significant game on October 22 sees the Cleveland Cavaliers battle the New York Knicks.
Thursday, October 23, brings more national broadcasts. The Thunder will play the Indiana Pacers in what could be an NBA Finals rematch, and the Denver Nuggets will take on the Golden State Warriors.
The first set of Peacock-exclusive games will launch on Monday, October 27. This doubleheader features the Cavaliers against the Detroit Pistons at 7 p.m. ET, followed by another thrilling Nuggets versus Timberwolves rivalry game at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Christmas Day Extravaganza: A Five-Game Holiday Treat
Wednesday, December 25, will once again feature a full five-game slate, showcasing some of the league’s most compelling matchups. All four teams from opening night will participate in these holiday festivities, underscoring their prominence.
Here’s a breakdown of the Christmas Day schedule:
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks (12 p.m. ET): This game is poised as a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview. The Cavaliers boast a balanced attack with their formidable twin-tower duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, complemented by the scoring prowess of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. The Knicks counter with elite perimeter defenders Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, led by the offensive firepower of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (2:30 p.m. ET): This matchup pits two of the league’s “unicorns” against each other: the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren and the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama. With Wembanyama returning and a significantly bolstered Spurs roster featuring De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper, this game promises an intense rivalry.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors (5 p.m. ET): This game features a sentimental return for Klay Thompson, playing against his former team. It also marks Cooper Flagg’s first Christmas Day game, highlighting his anticipated impact.
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers (8 p.m. ET): A Christmas Day rematch of an Opening Night game. The Rockets will showcase the developing Alperen Sengun at center. For the Lakers, this marks LeBron James’s 20th, and potentially final, Christmas Day appearance, adding a layer of historical significance.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets (10:30 p.m. ET): This rivalry has provided iconic matchups, with Minnesota finding a formula to beat Denver last season. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, are pushing for the next step. Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, who have significantly bolstered their depth with additions like Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas, will be seeking revenge.
Honoring History: MLK Day’s Four-Game Showcase
The NBA continues its tradition of scheduling a robust four-game slate on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19, 2026. This practice has been a league staple since the holiday’s inception in 1986.
The confirmed MLK Day matchups include:
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Atlanta Hawks (1 p.m. ET): Both teams are expected to feature new roster looks and potentially new dynamics.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (2:30 p.m. ET): This is presented as a marquee matchup and a “possible 2026 NBA Finals preview.” Both teams recorded over 60 wins last season and are popular picks to contend for the championship again. This game will air on NBC and Peacock.
Dallas Mavericks vs. New York Knicks (5 p.m. ET): This game offers fans the chance to see rookie sensation Cooper Flagg play on the iconic Madison Square Garden stage.
- Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons (8 p.m. ET): Another compelling matchup rounding out the holiday schedule.
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Anticipating the 2025-26 Season: Rivalries, Contenders, and Emerging Stars
The comprehensive NBA 2025-26 schedule release paints a vivid picture of a season brimming with captivating storylines. From the reigning champion Thunder, who boast exceptional depth and talent, to the retooled Rockets with Kevin Durant, the Western Conference is set to be a battleground. The Lakers’ new duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic, alongside the improved Warriors with Jimmy Butler, promise must-watch basketball.
In the East, the Cavaliers and Knicks appear poised for deep playoff runs. The ongoing rivalry between the Timberwolves and Nuggets, driven by stars like Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic, will offer consistent excitement. Beyond the established stars, the league is buzzing with anticipation for the new rookie class, especially the historic debut of Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. Their immediate impact and the strategic featuring of these young talents underline the league’s commitment to showcasing its future.
This season will also test the mettle of teams like the Spurs, who have significantly stacked their roster around Victor Wembanyama, setting the stage for an intense Holmgren vs. Wembanyama rivalry to unfold on a national stage. The NBA Cup in-season tournament group stage has also been announced, adding another layer of competition and intrigue to the regular season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key dates and matchups confirmed for the NBA 2025-26 season schedule?
The NBA 2025-26 season is set to tip off on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Opening night features a doubleheader: the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors. Christmas Day, December 25, will have a five-game slate including top matchups like Cavaliers vs. Knicks and Spurs vs. Thunder. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19, 2026, features four games, notably Thunder vs. Cavaliers as a potential Finals preview.
How will the new media rights deal impact how fans watch NBA games, especially with NBC and Peacock?
The new 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal brings NBC back into NBA coverage, joining ABC/ESPN and Amazon. NBC will broadcast a significant number of games, including opening night and MLK Day tripleheaders. Additionally, Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform, will host exclusive NBA games every Monday throughout the regular season, starting October 27. This expansion aims to provide more viewing options and broader access for fans across various platforms.
Which matchups are considered must-watch early in the 2025-26 NBA season beyond the holidays?
Beyond the major holiday dates, several early-season games are drawing significant attention. A historic matchup on October 22 will see the No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) face the No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs) in their professional debuts. Other notable early games include the Cavaliers vs. Knicks on October 22, and the Thunder vs. Pacers and Nuggets vs. Warriors on October 23. The first Peacock-exclusive doubleheader on October 27 also features exciting games like Cavaliers vs. Pistons and Nuggets vs. Timberwolves.
The NBA 2025-26 season promises to be a landmark year, not just for the incredible matchups and individual performances, but also for the significant evolution in how fans can engage with the sport. With new broadcast partners, highly anticipated rookie debuts, and compelling storylines across the league, the stage is set for an unforgettable season. Make sure to mark your calendars for these essential dates and prepare for a year of unparalleled basketball action.
