Latest news with #EmiratesNBACup2025
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Key takeaways as Rockets learn complete 2025-26 season schedule
For Houston, 17 of its first 26 games are on the road. Meanwhile, 14 of the final 22 will come inside the friendly home confines of Toyota Center. The NBA's complete 2025-26 season schedule has arrived! For Houston, it starts with a four-game preseason slate in early October before the 82-game grind begins on Tuesday, Oct. 21. In a matchup of the top-two teams from last season's Western Conference standings, that regular-season opener at Oklahoma City takes place on 2024-25 championship ring night for the Thunder. For newly acquired Rockets star Kevin Durant, it will be a reunion night with the franchise where he played eight elite seasons earlier in his Hall of Fame career. From a broadcast perspective, that Rockets-Thunder clash marks the return of the NBA on NBC for the first time since June 2002. Houston is clearly viewed as a top-tier team for both basketball and business purposes, and the lucrative television slots reflect that. Looking at the numbers, here are a few other pertinent takeaways from Houston's 2025-26 schedule release. Road Ready Seventeen of Houston's first 26 regular-season games are away from home. Between Nov. 22 and Dec. 26 — roughly the holiday season window between Thanksgiving and Christmas — the Rockets currently have only two home games scheduled. However, a third could be added pending Emirates NBA Cup 2025 results. The Rockets will play two of their first three games at home, with the Toyota Center opener coming Friday, Oct. 24, against Detroit. Another game will follow on Monday, Oct. 27, versus Brooklyn. Reunion, Revenge Games One of those early road games is at Phoenix on Nov. 24, which will be the first time for the Durant-led Rockets to face his former squad. The Suns will pay a return visit to Houston on Dec. 5, and that will be the first time for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to play in Houston since being traded from the Rockets. After losing to Golden State in the 2025 playoffs, the first Rockets-Warriors matchup of 2025-26 will be an ESPN exclusive on Nov. 26, the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving. That will be the finale of group-stage play in the Emirates NBA Cup 2025, so there could be additional stakes. TV Darlings Excluding NBA TV, the Rockets will be shown 28 times on national broadcast networks. This time a year ago, Houston had three such slots. More national games could be added in December, should Houston advance to the knockout stages of NBA Cup play. Only the Thunder, Lakers, Warriors, and New York Knicks (34 each) are scheduled for more national TV games than Houston. Legacy Draw Of those 28 nationally televised games, 11 will be aired via the NBA's over-the-air partners, NBC or ABC. At this time last year, the Rockets had zero over-the-air games. Back-to-Backs The Rockets have 14 sets of back-to-backs this season, but none until Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 (both in Utah). Interestingly enough, eight of these sets are in the same city, which eliminates travel in-between games. A home example is a back-to-back versus the Clippers on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11, and that set will lead into February's All-Star break. The NBA average is 14.4 back-to-backs per team, with 4.9 of those featuring no in-between travel. Houston is better than the average in both categories. However, one challenge could be the cumulative nature of those back-to-backs in a short time frame. Of that 14 total, 11 will come in the season's final three months (January 15 to April 12). Rare Air Houston's Dec. 25 road matchup at the Los Angeles Lakers is the first Christmas Day game for the Rockets since 2019. That Oct. 21 showdown at Oklahoma City is Houston's first appearance on the NBA's opening night since 2017. Just prior to Christmas is another matchup in Los Angeles against the Clippers. In an NBC telecast, that Dec. 23 game is scheduled to tip at 10:00 p.m. Central, which would be the latest start in franchise history. Fall Fridays Early in the season, Friday will be a busy night. The home opener is Friday, Oct. 24, versus the Pistons. That game will be Durant's first regular-season game at Toyota Center as a member of the Rockets, and it will also feature a matchup of the Thompson twins — Houston's Amen and Detroit's Ausar. A few weeks later, on consecutive Fridays in November, the Rockets host Portland (Nov. 14) and Denver (Nov. 21) in NBA Cup games. Tickets for those games are available to purchase now. Sandwiched in between those three Friday home games is the NBA Cup opener at nearby San Antonio on Friday, Nov. 7. World Series Overlap If you believe the Astros can make a championship run in Major League Baseball (MLB), the Rockets' Oct. 24 home opener will come at the same time as Game 1 of MLB's World Series. No Extended Homestands or Road Trips Houston has no homestands or road trips longer than five games in length. Last season, the Rockets had multiple homestands and road trips of six or more games. New Year's Travel Over the last decade or so, the Rockets have usually hosted at least one game — and sometimes two, as a back-to-back — during the New Year's Eye and New Year's Day window. That won't be the case this season, with the Rockets off on New Year's Eve and playing a road game in Brooklyn on New Year's Day. Home for 2026 As the calendar turns to 2026, all the road games to start the season will be offset by a wave of home games. That will especially be evident late in the season, when 14 of Houston's final 22 will be played at Toyota Center — including six of the final eight. Varied Start Times Because of the national TV exposure, Houston's home tipoff times are much more varied than the usual 7:00 p.m. Central. Depending on whether the Rockets are on the front or back end of a broadcast doubleheader, some home starts will be as early as 6:30 p.m., while others are as late as 8:30 p.m. For games that aren't national broadcasts, 7:00 p.m. remains the usual home start time, with a few 6:00 p.m. exceptions on Sundays. Road Matinees The Rockets will play four daytime games on the road, including two aired on national television. There are no home matinees, with 6:00 p.m. the earliest scheduled start time for a game at Toyota Center. Space City Spaced Out Many of those national broadcasts are national exclusives, meaning there won't be a local option via Space City Home Network (SCHN) and its three-person announcing team of Craig Ackerman, Ryan Hollins, and Vanessa Richardson. Houston's national exclusives have been extremely minimal in recent years, but that figure is at 17 this season. SCHN will have 69 game broadcasts — all four preseason games and 65 in the regular season. Postseason TV Changes If the Rockets return to the playoffs for a second straight season, SCHN won't have any broadcasts there. Under the NBA's new TV deals, which start this season, all playoff games are national exclusives. Last season, SCHN had broadcasts for six of Houston's seven first-round games against the Golden State Warriors (the lone exception was Game 3, an ABC exclusive). West Opponents Scheduled Only Three Times Each season, NBA teams play most teams from their same conference four times (two home, two road) and teams from the other conference twice (one home, one road). However, that math would lead to an 86-game schedule. So, to keep it to 82, there are four same-conference opponents that teams play only three times, with the group of four rotating each year. For the Rockets, one of those teams this season is the Thunder, who they are scheduled to play only once (Jan. 15) in Houston. The Rockets will play in Oklahoma City twice (Oct. 21 and Feb. 7). Other West opponents that Houston is scheduled to play three times are Golden State, Denver, Minnesota, and both Los Angeles teams. Among that group, the Warriors and Nuggets are slated to visit Houston only once. Changes from NBA Cup On paper, only playing three games versus strong teams such as the Thunder, Warriors, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Lakers, and Clippers would seem to be a scheduling advantage. However, it's worth noting that the schedule will slightly change based on NBA Cup results. Should the Rockets not advance, two standard regular-season games will be added to the schedule in the second week of December, with each team's potential additions coming from that group of same-conference opponents that are currently scheduled only three times. So, for example, a second Rockets-Thunder game in Houston could be added to the schedule — should both teams not advance. Five-Game Season Series? On the other hand, should the Rockets advance in the NBA Cup, they could play as many as five regular-season games versus the same opponent(s). Because the Cup follows a tournament format, matchups are set independent of any scheduling matrix. In 2024-25, Houston's knockout-round games came against the Warriors and Thunder, leading to five games versus both opponents for the season. Uniforms and Court Details The Rockets will mostly wear the same uniforms this year, though they are returning to the 2023-24 'dunkstronaut' concept for City Edition games. That set pays homage to the city's basketball history. Those City Edition jersey nights, which include a matching custom court design, will begin in November. The Rockets will have a separate custom court for NBA Cup home games on Nov. 14 versus the Trail Blazers and Nov. 21 versus the Nuggets. Game-by-game schedules for uniforms and courts will be made available by NBA LockerVision at a later date. More: Rockets at Thunder: In national spotlight, can Houston finally end its opening night skid?
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA Cup 2025: Schedule released for Rockets' group stage games this fall
Over four dates between Nov. 7 and Nov. 26, the Rockets will play the Spurs, Trail Blazers, Nuggets, and Warriors in Emirates NBA Cup 2025 games. Group Play games in the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 will take place on "Cup Nights" from Oct. 31 – Nov. 28.▪️ Group Play schedule by day: Group Play schedule by team: Schedule Release presented by @Ticketmaster. This fall, the NBA is set to play the third annual edition of the in-season tournament that it introduced in 2023. Each season, six five-team groups — three groups per conference — play a round-robin format. The winners of each group, along with one wild-card from each conference, advance to the eight-team knockout round. Each group features teams from the top, middle, and bottom of its respective conference, as determined by standings from last season. Now known as the Emirates NBA Cup 2025, this season's event tips off on Oct. 31 in team markets and culminates with the semifinals (Dec. 13) and championship (Dec. 16) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Nearly all Cup games also count toward the regular-season standings, with the championship the lone exception. On Wednesday, schedules for all group-stage games were released. For the Houston Rockets, who are in Western Conference Group C along with the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers, the schedule is as follows: On designated 'Cup Nights' between Oct. 31 and Nov. 28, each NBA team will play four group-play games, Teams will play one game versus each opponent in their group, with two games at home and two on the road. Four teams per conference will advance to the knockout rounds: each first-place team with the best standing in group games and two 'wild cards' (a second-place team from each conference with the best group-stage record). The knockout rounds consist of single-elimination games in the quarterfinals, which will be played in NBA team markets on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Wednesday, Dec. 10. The winners advance to Las Vegas. In sequential order, tiebreakers include head-to-head record in group play, point differential in group play, total points scored in group play, and overall regular-season record. Overtime scoring does not count toward the point differential and total points tiebreakers. To ensure that all NBA teams play 82 regular-season games, teams who don't advance to the knockout rounds will have two games added to their 2025-26 schedule versus other teams from the same conference who also did not advance. The two teams who lose in the quarterfinal round will play each other in a regular-season contest a few days later, for the same reason. In the 2024 edition of the NBA Cup, the Rockets advanced to the semifinal in Las Vegas before bowing out to the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Houston defeated Golden State, now its 2025 group rival, in a knockout-round quarterfinal match last December. More: 2025 NBA Cup draw: Rockets grouped with Nuggets, Warriors, Trail Blazers, Spurs The 2025 #EmiratesNBACup Group Draw Results 🏆Cup Nights will take place every Friday from 10/31 - 11/28 on Prime Video.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA schedule release: Dates forthcoming for Rockets' 2025-26 season
More 2025-26 NBA game dates will be announced Tuesday on Good Morning America and The TODAY Show, followed by Thursday's complete schedule reveal. As expected, this is the week for the NBA's announcement of its complete schedule for the 2025-26 regular season. The lone exception will be two games that are to be determined (TBD) at a later date, pending results from group-stage games in the Emirates NBA Cup 2025. With a roster headlined by newly acquired superstar Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets already know they'll be playing on opening night, October 21, and on Christmas Day, December 25. Now, over the next three days, the Rockets will learn 78 more game dates. From the NBA's website: Tune in to Good Morning America and The TODAY Show on Tuesday morning — then stay tuned for more throughout the week — as the NBA Schedule Release presented by Ticketmaster begins. The regular-season schedule will include dates and opponents for 80 of each team's 82 games, along with two games designated as TBD dates and opponents as part of the Emirates NBA Cup. Follow along across the NBA App and NBA social media all week for more information on the new schedule. ABC and NBC are two of the league's primary television partners, so it makes business sense that the morning shows on those networks will get some early leaks. Along with game dates, this week's schedule will also include tipoff times and initial national television assignments. For Durant and the new-look Rockets, expect plenty of those spotlight games, as already shown by the league's opening night and Christmas lineups.
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Boston Celtics' NBA Cup schedule revealed
The #EmiratesNBACup 2025 Group Draw results!Starting October 31, all 30 teams will compete for the NBA Cup with 8 teams advancing out of groups into the knockout rounds, with the semifinals and championship held in Las Vegas, December 13 and 16! The NBA Cup will be getting underway earlier than usual next season. On Wednesday, July 9, the NBA released its NBA Cup schedule, with the opening round of games scheduled to take place on October 31. During their schedule release, the league also dropped the groupings for each franchise. The Boston Celtics will participate in East Group B. They will face off against the Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. Considering the Celtics aren't expected to be a championship contender next season, Joe Mazzulla's team could prioritize a deep NBA cup run, especially to help instill a winning mindset in the plethora of young talent that will be on the roster. This will be the third season where the NBA Cup has been part of the schedule. The Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural cup, with the Milwaukee Bucks securing the honors this past season. Boston certainly finds itself in a tough group, but it will likely have enough talent to remain competitive throughout. During the group stage, the Celtics will welcome the Nets and Pistons to the TD Garden, while the contests against the Magic and Sixers will be played on the road. Watch the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Website:
USA Today
09-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Nets NBA Cup schedule, matchups announced ahead of 2025-26 season
Nets will be competing in East Group B against the Celtics, Pistons, Magic, and 76ers in the NBA Cup next season. The Brooklyn Nets have been making some interesting moves during the 2025 NBA offseason to get ready for a 2025-26 season that is hopefully better than what the 2024-25 campaign was. Brooklyn is coming off a 26-56 record from last year, but this offseason represents some new life being injected into the organization along with another chance at winning a trophy. The NBA announced on Wednesday what the groups for the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 will be for the 2025-26 season, a slate that the Nets could be looking forward to as a way to spice up their season. The NBA placed Brooklyn in East Group B, meaning that they will be facing the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers as part of the NBA Cup. While the schedule for the 2025-26 season hasn't been released yet, the NBA noted that the Nets will be facing the Pistons and 76ers at home at Barclays Center, but will be taking on the Celtics and Magic on the road. Group Play games in the NBA Cup will take happen on "Cup Nights" from Oct. 31 to Nov. 28, according to what the NBA announced in its post on X. This group will be interesting for the Nets to compete in as each of the four teams they will face as part of the NBA Cup were in the playoffs this past season. Boston may not be as competitive as they would normally be given that forward Jayson Tatum is most likely going to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign along with the team trading away players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to avoid luxury tax penalites. The 76ers are coming off an injury-riddled 2024-25 season, but they still have Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey while adding guard VJ Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Pistons will be a solid team led by guard Cade Cunningham and the Magic could be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference after adding Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane to a roster led by forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Group Play games in the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 will take place on "Cup Nights" from Oct. 31 – Nov. team will play one game against each of the four opponents in its six group winners and one wild card from each conference will advance to the…
