Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated contests on the schedule:
Further reading: Night Carnage (2025)
Opening Night Fireworks: Rockets vs. Thunder (October 21st)
The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with a clash of titans as the Houston Rockets visit the Oklahoma City Thunder. This game is dripping with narrative. It marks Kevin Durant’s debut for the Rockets, ironically, in the very city where he once reigned as MVP. However, this time, he faces a Thunder squad celebrating their championship victory, a feat he didn’t contribute to. Leading the charge for Oklahoma City is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, their own MVP, who continues to elevate his game.
Both the Rockets and Thunder are tipped as Western Conference frontrunners, making this opening night encounter a chance to stake an early claim. Adding to the excitement, this game marks the NBA’s return to NBC after over two decades, complete with the iconic “Roundball Rock” theme.
Next-Gen Showdown: Spurs vs. Mavericks (October 22nd)
The Texas rivalry between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks gets a fresh injection of star power on opening night. All eyes will be on Dallas’ number one overall pick, Cooper Flagg, as he makes his NBA debut against the Spurs’ dynamic duo of Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama, the two most recent Rookies of the Year. Flagg will also face off against Dylan Harper, the number two overall pick from his draft class.
Beyond the rookies, established stars like Dallas’ Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson, revitalised after a full offseason, will be on display. San Antonio’s De’Aaron Fox, fresh off a lucrative contract extension, adds further intrigue. This game signals the dawn of a new era in this classic NBA rivalry.
Durant Returns: Rockets vs. Warriors (November 25th)
A playoff rematch with added spice! This game sees Kevin Durant face his former team, the Golden State Warriors, adding another layer to an already intense rivalry. Years after Durant helped Golden State overcome Houston in the playoffs, he now stands on the opposite side. Having won two Finals MVP awards in a Warriors uniform, he’ll be keen to prove a point with his new Rockets team.
In the 2025 playoffs, the Rockets lacked a reliable closer against the Warriors. Now, with Durant in their ranks, alongside the anticipated growth of rising stars Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, Houston possesses the firepower to challenge Golden State.
MVP Battle: Thunder vs. Nuggets (February 1st)
The seven-game series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder was a highlight of the previous season. This regular season matchup promises more of the same.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, goes head-to-head with Nikola Jokic, the MVP from the year before. This clash also pits the 2025 champion Thunder against the 2023 champion Nuggets. After losing to OKC, Denver retooled their roster, aiming for Western Conference dominance.
Bad Blood Brews: Bucks vs. Pacers (November 3rd)
The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers have developed a fierce rivalry, with Indiana eliminating Milwaukee in the past two NBA Playoffs. This animosity has only intensified with Myles Turner’s offseason move from the Pacers to the Bucks.
Turner’s return to Indiana is sure to be charged with emotion. Adding Giannis Antetokounmpo to the mix guarantees a playoff-like atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Doncic vs. His Former Team: Mavericks vs. Lakers (November 28th)
Any list of must-watch NBA games is incomplete without Luka Doncic facing off against his former team. This NBA Cup matchup also marks Anthony Davis’ first game as a visitor at Crypto.com Arena since being traded to the Mavericks. Furthermore, it’s the first head-to-head clash between Cooper Flagg and LeBron James, two of the four former number one overall picks expected to play.
Finals Rematch: Thunder vs. Pacers (October 23rd)
Less than a week into the season, we get a rematch of the NBA Finals. The Indiana Pacers, even without Tyrese Haliburton, will be eager to prove themselves on their home court.
Just four months after their epic seven-game series, the action returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Finals heroes T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, and Pascal Siakam will look to lead the Pacers against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren of the Thunder.
Eastern Conference Supremacy: Knicks vs. Cavaliers (October 22nd)
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are widely considered the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Their early-season matchup offers a chance to make a statement.
Featuring stars like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley, this game is loaded with talent. While championships aren’t won in the regular season, this game will set the tone for the Eastern Conference race. They also meet on Christmas Day, highlighting the league’s anticipation of this clash.
A Rivalry Renewed: Lakers vs. Celtics (December 5th)
Even without Jayson Tatum, the rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics remains one of the greatest in sports. This time, however, there’s a twist: Marcus Smart, the former heart and soul of the Celtics, now plays for their most hated rival, the Lakers.
Smart’s return to Boston in Lakers colours is sure to be a spectacle. The historical rivalry, combined with this new dynamic, makes this game a must-watch.
Young in the City: Hawks vs. Knicks (January 2nd)
The improved Atlanta Hawks, now featuring Kristaps Porzingis alongside Trae Young, face a tough Knicks squad. This game is particularly intriguing because of Trae Young’s history in New York City.
Porzingis, who seems to reserve his best performances for the franchise that drafted him, adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Playoff Revenge: Lakers vs. Timberwolves (October 24th)
After the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games last season, the Lakers will be looking for revenge.
Beyond the star power of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Anthony Edwards, the spotlight will be on Deandre Ayton, the Lakers’ new big man. Ayton will be tasked with proving his worth against Rudy Gobert, who previously exposed the Lakers’ lack of size.
Pistons Aim High: Knicks vs. Pistons (January 5th)
The Detroit Pistons significantly improved last season, earning a playoff berth. Their reward was a first-round series against the Knicks.
Despite ultimately falling short, Cade Cunningham and the Pistons proved their mettle. Now, Detroit has another opportunity to test themselves against a revamped New York squad that many believe is the best in the East.
Battle for Los Angeles: Clippers vs. Lakers (November 25th)
The Battle of Los Angeles enters a new phase with Chris Paul back in a Clippers uniform, alongside new additions Bradley Beal, John Collins, and Brook Lopez.
With Paul, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard facing LeBron James, this game represents a potential last chance for these veteran stars to compete against each other at this level.
Durant’s Revenge Tour: Rockets vs. Suns (November 24th)
Kevin Durant return games are always compelling, and this matchup against the Phoenix Suns, his former team, is no exception.
Jalen Green playfully stated he’d score 30 points against his former team, while Dillon Brooks added fuel to the fire with his comments during Summer League.
Eastern Conference Rising: Hawks vs. Magic (October 24th)
With the Eastern Conference wide open, this game between two up-and-coming teams is worth watching.
The Atlanta Hawks, after a strong offseason, face the Orlando Magic, who addressed their biggest need by acquiring Desmond Bane. Each game between these divisional rivals will be a battle for supremacy in the East.