OKLAHOMA CITY – MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder begin their title defense against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets today – Tuesday, Oct. 21 – at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This game is available on multiple streaming services for free.
How do I watch Thunder vs. Rockets for free?
This NBA season opener will broadcast live on NBC at 7:30 p.m. Eastern (6:30 p.m. Central). Fans who have parted ways with their local cable provider can catch this game for free by utilizing a free trial from DIRECTV, which also offers $40 off your first month.
FuboTV has a free trial and up to $30 off your first month.
The most flexible option is Sling TV, which now offers new users a Day Pass for $4.99, Weekend Pass for $9.99, Week Pass for $14.99, Monthly for $45.99 and Season Pass for $199.99 for five months and $45.99 per month thereafter.
This game will also stream live on Peacock, which offers a premium monthly subscription for $10.99/month or a premium annual subscription for $109.99/year, where you can save 17% off in one payment.
Streaming serviceMonthly PriceFree trial LengthDiscountDIRECTV$74.99Yes5-day$40 off first monthFuboTV$64.99Yes5-day$30 off first monthSling TV$4.99-$199.99NoN/AHalf off first month Peacock$10.99NoN/ANo
Oklahoma City will raise its championship banner on opening night. The Thunder begin their quest to repeat after a historic run last season, finishing 64-18 en route to the franchise’s first championship.
The Thunder claimed the highest point differential in regular season and postseason history. It also led the NBA in defensive rating, steals, field goal percentage allowed and 3-point percentage allowed.
Their only adversity came in a riveting seven-game series against the Denver Nuggets in the semifinals, where they were pushed to the brink.
The entire Thunder squad that played in the NBA Playoffs last year is back for the encore. Perhaps even more frightening is that the Thunder boast the fifth-youngest squad in the league with an average age of 24.7.
The unit is led by Gilgeous-Alexander, who dazzled the league with his undeniable talents last season. He captured the NBA scoring title, averaging 32.7 points per game, which marks the most in NBA history for a player on a championship team. The Thunder’s supernova exploded for 51 points on the Rockets in a meeting last season, showcasing his scoring prowess.
The core is solidified by Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, who both locked up five-year extensions and are looking to bring a dynasty to Oklahoma City.
Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists last season, while Holmgren chipped in 15 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 49% from the field.
The Thunder won three of five meetings last season. Oklahoma City was an astonishing 35-6 at home during that campaign, marking the best homecourt advantage in the NBA.
Watch Thunder vs. Rockets for free on DIRECTV
After an admirable 52-30 campaign and the second seed in the West, the Rockets begin a new era with Durant and a young core hungry for a championship of their own.
Durant, the four-time scoring champion, who averaged 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting last season in Phoenix, will make his Houston debut against the team that drafted him. He fills the Rockets’ long-range weakness from last season, firing at a 43% clip from beyond the arc.
Houston’s rugged defense is their calling card. Amen Thompson earned first-team All-Defense and Alperen Sengun continues to evolve after his first All-Star nod. The latter averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
The Rockets were ranked fourth in defense in the NBA last season and led the league in rebounds, driving teams into the sludge with their physical play. Houston also allowed the second-fewest made three pointers in the league.
Houston point guard Fred Van Vleet tore his ACL and will miss the entire season.
Watch Thunder vs. Rockets on FuboTV for free
Thunder vs. Rockets NBA injury report
Oklahoma City Thunder: Isaiah Joe (left knee contusion), Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery), Nikola Topic (surgical recovery), Jalen Williams (right wrist surgical recovery), Kenrich Wiliams (left knee surgical recovery) are all out.
Houston Rockets: Isaiah Crawford (left ankle sprain) is questionable.
Dorian Finney Smith (left ankle surgery), Jae’Sean Tate (right ankle surgery), Fred Van Vleet (right knee ACL repair) are all out.
Who is announcing Thunder vs. Rockets?
Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Jamal Crawford (analysts) will be the announcers while Zora Stephenson reports from the sideline.
What are the latest odds for Thunder vs. Rockets?
Spread: OKC: (-7.5), HOU: (+7.5)
Moneyline: OKC: (-325), HOU: (+260)
Point total: 227.5
Here’s more information on how to watch Thunder vs. Rockets on TV and streaming services.
What: NBA season opener: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets
When: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern (6:30 p.m. Central)
Where: Paycom Center | Oklahoma City, Okla.
Channel: NBC
Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $30 off your first month), DIRECTV (free trial and $40 off your first month), Sling TV (half off first month and daily, weekend, weekly, monthly and season pass) and Peacock
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