First, on October 21, the Rockets will travel to Oklahoma City to face what is likely to be one of their biggest competitors this year in the defending champion Thunder. This is likely to be the early game, as the second Opening Night game is between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in L.A.

Opening Night of the 2025-26 NBA season will reportedly feature multiple matchups between Western Conference teams looking to return to the playoffs.

When the NBA champion receives their ring, a familiar face will be in attendance. The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Houston Rockets for the 2025-26 Opening Night on Oct. 21, per ESPN's Shams Charania. It will also mark the first game of the NBC broadcast era.