The start of the new Golden State Warriors season was kicked behind the paywall of a streaming service, in what feels like a foreboding sign for NBC in its return to NBA coverage.

The 2025-26 National Basketball Association (NBA) season gets under way on Tuesday when defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Houston Rockets in the opening match.

Houston also made a big splash in the offseason by trading for star Kevin Durant and signing him to a $90-million extension, all with hopes of closing the gap on the NBA’s best team.

The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder will air on NBC at 7:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025.

ESPN's NBA coverage returns this week for its 24th straight season.

If prognosticators are correct, Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in for another big year, with DraftKings Sportsbook listing him as the favorite to win his second straight ...

Optimist Andrew Jackson: "I believe the sky is the limit for this young Pistons core. Cade Cunningham is on a trajectory to have a first-team All-NBA season, and if even one of (Ausar) Thompson, (Jaden) Ivey, (Jalen) Duren or (Ronald) Holland takes a jump, this team has the potential to take the Eastern Conference by storm."

The NBA is back tonight! We’ve got the Houston Rockets watching the Oklahoma City Thunder receive their rings and championship banner at 7:30 pm ET.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a meticulous scorer who racked up virtually every accolade imaginable last season, is 27 and potentially some seasons away from his peak.

Michael Jordan has made his debut as a special contributor to NBC Sports’ return to NBA broadcasting Michael Jordan made his debut as a special contributor to NBC Sports’ return to NBA broadcasting on Tuesday night,