While NBA players have a serious routine to prepare for the 2025-2026 season, my routine to prepare to watch the games obviously does not compare. They’re all about winning; I’m all about making sure the TV is perfectly positioned.
It was just a few months ago that the world of men’s basketball saw OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander win his first ring, and it wouldn’t be an exciting tip-off if the reigning champs didn’t make an appearance to kick things off. Let’s get into the details as we officially head into the new season on Tuesday night (October 21).
Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder (6:30 p.m. CT/7:30 p.m. ET)
How cool is it for the 80th season to begin at the same place the 79th ended? OKC let their skills do the talking last season and it led to the team’s first Championship under its current name (they used to be the Seattle SuperSonics and won a Championship in 1979).
After the 2024-25 championship banner is raised, the team will face off against the Houston Rockets as Kevin Durant will look to secure a win against the team that drafted him in 2007.
This game can be watched on NBC and Peacock.
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers (9:00 p.m. CT/10:00 p.m. ET)
I would’ve loved to see another Stephen Curry and LeBron James battle, but James is out with a sciatic nerve injury. Better safe than sorry though, the team will need the GOAT to be healthy as the season goes on.
While James won’t be playing in the Lakers’ home opener, fans are putting their hope into Luka Doncic and the rest of the team to stop Curry and Golden State from stealing a win.
Last season saw Los Angeles make it to the playoffs but got out in the first round. The Warriors; however, did not make it to postseason. So since things didn’t go as planned, both teams have an opportunity to start the season on a strong and positive note.
This game can be watched on NBC and Peacock.