NBA 2025-26 Schedule Release: What Are the Must-Watch Matchups?

By Edcel Panganiban August 12, 2025 09:55

The NBA is ready to tip off its highly anticipated 2025-26 season, and with the full schedule set to release on August 14, fans are already buzzing about the marquee matchups that will define the campaign. The regular season kicks off on October 21, 2025, promising thrilling battles featuring reigning champions, rising contenders, and historic rivalries that always captivate viewers nationwide.

The season opener itself is a showstopper. The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off winning the 2024-25 NBA championship, will host the Houston Rockets in a compelling clash of youth and experience on October 21. The Thunder, led by dynamic stars and sharpshooters, aim to assert their dominance early, while the Rockets, rebuilt around superstar Kevin Durant, will seek to establish their contender status from the jump. This game marks a significant event as the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock streaming, signaling expanded viewership options for fans.

Immediately following, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors renew their historic Western Conference rivalry on Opening Night. This matchup consistently delivers high stakes and electric basketball, as both franchises boast talent-laden rosters and championship ambitions. The game is set to be a barometer for the Western Conference race and a reminder of the NBA's golden age of rivalries continuing into the new season.

Christmas Day, traditionally the league's biggest showcase, will feature a loaded five-game slate televised across ESPN and ABC, all presented by State Farm. Highlight matchups include:

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks at 12 p.m. ET, rekindling an old Eastern Conference rivalry between two young, exciting squads;
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at 2:30 p.m. ET, a clash featuring the defending champions against a Spurs team eager to rise from a rebuilding phase;
Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors at 5 p.m. ET, spotlighting Luka Dončić and Stephen Curry in what promises to be a shootout for fans;
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 8 p.m. ET, pitting Kevin Durant against LeBron James in a battle of NBA legends and contenders;
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets at 10:30 p.m. ET, a late-night duel between two of the West’s most promising teams led by Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokić respectively.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day schedule features four notable games, including contests that could provide clarity on playoff positioning and star player rivalries in the thick of the season.

Beyond these marquee dates, expect plenty of other must-watch moments. The NBA Cup tournament, returning for its third edition, will run from October 31 through December 16, adding competitive flair and fresh incentives early in the season. Fans should also mark the 2026 NBA All-Star Game scheduled for February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California—expected to be a star-studded event with the league’s best showcasing their skills.

The new season's schedule promises not only exciting matchups in traditional rivalry games but also intriguing clashes involving emerging young stars and title contenders. With more nationally televised games and enhanced streaming options, fans will have unprecedented access to high-profile contests.

ESPN and ABC’s “blockbuster” opening-week and Christmas Day programming reflect a clear strategy to highlight the league's best talent and most passionate fan bases, offering an engaging basketball fest for viewers across the country.

As the schedule officially drops on August 14, anticipation will reach a fever pitch for fans eager to plan their viewing calendars. From the explosive season opener to the tension-filled holiday showcases, the 2025-26 NBA season is poised to deliver unforgettable moments.

Fans should circle these matchups Thunder vs. Rockets, Lakers vs. Warriors, Mavericks vs. Warriors, and the Christmas quintet as pivotal NBA moments this season, alongside following the progress of emerging storylines powered by youthful talent and veteran excellence.