NBA Unveils 2025-26 Opening, Christmas Day Games

The NBA's 2025-26 season will begin on October 21, with NBC airing its first NBA games in 23 years, featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets (now led by Kevin Durant) and the Golden State Warriors visiting the Los Angeles Lakers, who are transitioning into a LeBron James-Luka Doncic era. The five-game Christmas Day schedule, broadcast on ABC and ESPN, is highlighted by the New York Knicks hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cavs' first Christmas appearance since 2017 and the Knicks' record 58th. Other matchups include the Lakers hosting the Rockets, the Dallas Mavericks with No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg facing the Warriors, the Thunder playing the San Antonio Spurs, and the Denver Nuggets rematching the Minnesota Timberwolves from the 2025 Western Conference semifinals. Notably, the Boston Celtics, 2024 NBA champions, are absent from Christmas Day for the first time since 2015 due to Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury and significant roster changes. The schedule reflects a shift in NBA power as injuries sideline top Eastern teams, elevating the Knicks and Cavaliers as favorites. The NBA's holiday showcase will again compete with the NFL's three-game Christmas lineup, intensifying the holiday sports landscape.