NBA Season Opener on NBC
On October 21, basketball enthusiasts can rejoice as the NBA season kicks off, marking the league’s long-awaited return to NBC. This season opener will also be accessible for streaming on Peacock, offering fans a new platform to catch the action. The festivities begin with an exciting doubleheader at 7:30 PM ET, featuring the Houston Rockets visiting the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Significance of the Opening Game
This game is particularly significant as it coincides with Oklahoma City’s championship banner raising ceremony, acknowledging their recent title win. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is set to present the championship rings to the Thunder players, including reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, prior to the tip-off.
Matchup Highlights
The Thunder, who finished as the top seed in the previous Western Conference, will face off against the Rockets, a notable matchup given that former Thunder star Kevin Durant will lead the Houston squad. Durant, who enjoyed significant success in Oklahoma City but ultimately left to secure championships with the Warriors, adds an intriguing subplot to this season’s beginning.
Classic Rivalry: Warriors vs. Lakers
Following this first game, another classic rivalry will unfold at 10 PM ET as Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors clash with Los Angeles Lakers‘ superstar LeBron James. This matchup is not just about these two legends, as rising stars like the Lakers’ Luka Doncic—who garnered attention over the offseason for improving his fitness—will also be in the spotlight. This rivalry has seen these teams face each other in four NBA Finals, highlighting the historic significance of their encounters.
Upcoming Events and Schedule
In related news, NBC Sports has unveiled the launch of Peacock NBA Monday, which will feature exclusive weekly games on Peacock, starting October 27. The inaugural event will showcase the Cleveland Cavaliers led by Donovan Mitchell against Cade Cunningham’s Detroit Pistons. Following that game, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves will host Nikola Jokić’s Denver Nuggets.
Looking further ahead, NBC Sports is set to present an impressive quadrupleheader on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, 2026, featuring top players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Trae Young, and more. This lineup includes a mix of exclusive and NBC-broadcast games such as the Milwaukee Bucks going up against the Atlanta Hawks, and the Oklahoma City Thunder facing off with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Furthermore, the complete schedule for the 2025-26 NBA season on both NBC and Peacock is anticipated to be released this Thursday, promising fans a season filled with excitement and thrilling basketball.
