That said, a 40-year-old LeBron James will miss the Lakers' opener against the Warriors. The four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champ is dealing with sciatica and is reportedly eying a mid-November return. James' early-season absence could set the stage for the beginning of a Dončić MVP campaign.

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 PM ET and Warriors vs. Lakers at 10 PM ET. Lineups, injuries, players, where to watch, and more.

Warriors are feeling good heading into the opener. The group seems focused and loose pregame. Steve Kerr liked the progress he saw throughout training camp and he likes the group has on paper. There is a confidence the Warriors felt throughout camp — now they want to see that when the games start counting for real.

The NBA makes its triumphant return to NBC and its debut on Peacock on Tuesday, October 21 with a jaw-dropping double-header. After the Oklahoma City Thunder raise their championship banner in front of Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets,

The first full season of Luka Doncic begins in L.A. as the Lakers square off against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

Coverage of the NBA is going to look a little different with the start of the 2025-26 season, and finding each game may present a bit of a challenge.