Teams checked a key box in the NBA offseason checklist on Thursday with the release of the 2025-26 schedule.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will host Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets on Oct. 21 for opening night, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors face off afterwards. ESPN tips off its coverage the following day as the New York Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cooper Flagg will make his NBA debut following that matchup as the Dallas Mavericks square off against the San Antonio Spurs.