The San Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder on NBA Opening Night Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET. The game will air on NBC, which you can stream free on DIRECTV.
Where to watch Thunder vs. Spurs NBA Opening Night for free
Today’s matchup: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs
When: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: NBC
Stream: DIRECTV (free trial), FuboTV (free trial)
DIRECTV (free trial) and FuboTV (free trial) both offer NBC for virtually the same price. Fubo’s “Pro” package costs $88.99, while DIRECTV’s “Entertainment” package is $89.99. Both options offer a free trial and money off the first month of subscription. Your free trial will start once you create an account.
Why today’s game matters
The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs renew a budding Western Conference rivalry Tuesday night in San Antonio, just months after the Spurs eliminated Oklahoma City in a seven-game conference finals. San Antonio went on the road to win Game 7, 111-103, after the Thunder posted an NBA-best 64-18 regular-season record and the Spurs finished 62-20.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the centerpiece for Oklahoma City after winning his second consecutive MVP. The Thunder return Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, although Holmgren has been dealing with a quadriceps injury entering the opener. Oklahoma City also reshaped its supporting cast during the offseason, trading Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe.
San Antonio counters with Victor Wembanyama, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year after finishing third in MVP voting last season. He averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game.
The matchup provides an immediate measuring stick for two championship contenders. Oklahoma City will be looking to answer last spring’s playoff disappointment, while San Antonio gets an early opportunity to show its run to the NBA Finals was the beginning of sustained contention rather than a one-season breakthrough.