The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA’s Christmas schedule. That won’t be an issue this year.

The Thunder will host the Houston Rockets for the 2025-26 Opening Night on Tuesday, Oct. 21. As tradition, they will celebrate their NBA championship with a pregame banner drop and ring ceremony. Kevin Durant's attendance across the court gives this matchup some extra juice as it will start the NBC era.

The NBA announced on Tuesday that the season will begin on Oct. 21 with a doubleheader on NBC and Peacock. In the first game, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will meet star forward Kevin Durant and the new-look Houston Rockets. In the nightcap, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors.