10 Must-Watch NBA Games throughout the 2025-26 Season
The NBA's 80th season tips off with an unmatched mix of star power and fresh rivalries that fans have been waiting months to see unfold. From banner-raising ceremonies to rookie showdowns and heated rematches, here are ten regular-season NBA matchups that stand above the rest.
10
Must-Watch NBA Games
in 2025-26 Season: Best Nationally Televised Matches
1.
Oklahoma City Thunder
vs
Houston Rockets
OKC Thunder vs Houston Rockets (Image via Getty)
Date: October 21, 2025
The defending champion
Oklahoma City Thunder
will open the season in front of their home crowd, celebrating their first-ever NBA title. The spotlight won't just be on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the championship banner - Kevin Durant, who began his career in OKC, makes his highly anticipated debut for the retooled Rockets. A homecoming in enemy colors ensures the atmosphere will be a one-of-a-kind experience.
2. Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors
LeBron James and Stephen Curry (Image via Getty)
Date: October 21, 2025
LeBron James
and Stephen Curry meet for the 57th time in a clash brimming with history.
This game marks the NBA's first opening night on NBC in decades, and LeBron adds another milestone by becoming the first player to start a 23rd season. With new faces on both rosters and old rivalries reigniting, this West Coast battle will set the tone for the year.
3. San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks
Spurs vs Mavericks (Kyrie Irving) (Image via Getty)
Date: October 22, 2025
It's a rare rookie double debut as
No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg
suits up for the Dallas Mavericks against No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and the Spurs. Both franchises are banking on these young stars to spark a turnaround, making this early-season meeting a must-watch for anyone curious about the league's next generation.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers
OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers (Image via USA Today Sports)
Date: October 23, 2025
Just three days into the season, the NBA serves up a Finals rematch. The Indiana Pacers host the Thunder in a high-intensity game that will revive memories of last June's battles. Expect playoff-level energy as both squads look to send an early message.
5. Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers (Image via Getty)
Date: November 3, 2025
The Eastern Conference picture gets an early shake-up when the revamped Milwaukee Bucks face the rising Pacers. Milwaukee enters with Myles Turner replacing Damian Lillard, while Indiana is aiming to leap into title contention.
Every possession could feel like a preview of spring's playoff battles.
6. Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors
Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors (Image via Getty)
Date: November 26, 2025
Kevin Durant
heads back to the Bay Area wearing Rockets red. Facing his old Warriors team in Chase Center promises a charged night filled with highlight-reel plays and perhaps some lingering tension from his Golden State days.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks (Image via Getty)
Date: December 25, 2025
Christmas Day opens at Madison Square Garden with two teams eyeing the East's top seed. The
Cleveland Cavaliers
and Knicks bring physical, high-stakes basketball to the holiday spotlight in a game that could shape the conference race.
8. San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder
San Antonio Spurs vs OKC Thunder (Image via Getty)
Date: December 25, 2025
Christmas continues with a look at the Western Conference's future. The
San Antonio Spurs
have followed a rebuild blueprint similar to OKC's, and now they get a direct comparison against the reigning champs under the league's brightest lights.
9. Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors
Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors (Image via Getty)
Date: December 25, 2025
Cooper Flagg's first holiday appearance comes against Golden State, in a game also featuring Klay Thompson's reunion with his former team. Add
Luka Doncic
's firepower and you've got a matchup designed for Christmas Day drama.
10. Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers
Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty)
Date: December 25, 2025
The day's finale brings a primetime showdown between LeBron James and Kevin Durant - two of the game's greatest - facing off with their legacies still evolving. The stakes, the spotlight, and the star power make it the perfect holiday closer.
Also read:
NBA Mock Trade: Los Angeles Lakers Land $121 Million Golden State Warriors Big Man in Blockbuster Swap for LeBron James
These matchups deliver a fresh playoff-level tension. The must-watch NBA games for the 2025-26 season should leave viewers wanting for more and the season, as a whole, should become one for the history books.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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