NBA Reports Rockets-Thunder, Warriors-Lakers on 2025 Opening Night, Five Games on Christmas Day

The 2025-26 NBA season will open on October 21 with two major games broadcast on NBC, marking the network's return to NBA coverage after more than two decades. The Houston Rockets, bolstered by superstar Kevin Durant, will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Opening Night, coinciding with the Thunder's championship ring ceremony. The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors in a high-profile matchup potentially featuring stars LeBron James and Stephen Curry. On Christmas Day, five games are scheduled, including the Lakers facing the Rockets, continuing the Lakers' 27-year streak of Christmas appearances, and the New York Knicks making their 58th Christmas appearance against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Other Christmas matchups feature the Oklahoma City Thunder against the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Mavericks versus the Golden State Warriors, and the Minnesota Timberwolves facing the Denver Nuggets. Notably absent from the Christmas slate are the Boston Celtics, the 2024 champions who have played every Christmas since 2015.