OKLAHOMA CITY, OK—The 2025-26 NBA season officially tips off tonight with a highly anticipated doubleheader, led by a rivalry clash loaded with storylines: the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder host the newly revamped Houston Rockets.
The game will be particularly charged, as it marks the return of Kevin Durant to Oklahoma City as a member of the Rockets, just before the Thunder raise their championship banner.
Game Information and Start Time
The matchup between the reigning champions and the heavily invested Rockets is the first game of the NBA Opening Night doubleheader:
| Detail | Information |
| Matchup | Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Venue | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
| Date | Tuesday, October 21, 2025 |
| Start Time | 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CT / 4:30 p.m. PT |
| National TV Channel | NBC |
How to Watch and Stream Live
This game marks the return of the NBA to the NBC network after a 22-year absence, with the broadcast being shared by NBC and its streaming service, Peacock.
I. National Broadcast & Exclusive Stream
- TV Channel: The game will air live on NBC.
- Streaming (Exclusive): The game will stream LIVE on Peacock, making it the primary streaming destination for the contest. NBC and Peacock will carry the doubleheader.
- Peacock Official Website: https://www.peacocktv.com/
- Alternative Live TV Streaming: Access NBC live through subscriptions to Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or other providers that carry the network. (Check local provider listings for NBC availability).
- Fubo Official Website: https://www.fubo.tv/
II. Out-of-Market & Radio
- NBA League Pass: If the game is not blacked out in your local market, it may be available on NBA League Pass.
- NBA League Pass Official Website: https://www.nba.com/league-pass
- Radio: The game is available on SiriusXM NBA Radio (Channel 88) or the local team affiliates.
The Key Storyline: Durant vs. the Champs
The Thunder, led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are hoisting their championship banner from last season in front of the home crowd. They will immediately face the radically reshaped Rockets, who acquired Kevin Durant in the offseason’s biggest trade deal. The matchup pits the defending champions against a formidable new rival who immediately becomes one of their biggest threats in the Western Conference.
Conclusion
NBA Opening Night promises high-stakes basketball and intense emotions as the Thunder and Rockets tip off the 2025-26 season. With the game broadcast nationally on NBC and streaming live on Peacock, fans will have a front-row seat to the champions’ ring ceremony and the highly anticipated return of Kevin Durant.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article is a news report and does not contain affiliate links. We do not receive compensation from any streaming services or television networks.
Disclaimer
The game time (7:30 p.m. ET) and broadcast channel (NBC/Peacock) are based on the official NBA schedule. Streaming availability on Peacock is confirmed for the U.S. and is subject to the platform’s terms and conditions. Regional blackouts may apply to NBA League Pass. Readers should consult the official NBA website (https://www.nba.com/) for the final lineup and schedule details.
Official Website Links:
- National Basketball Association (NBA): https://www.nba.com/
- NBC Sports: https://www.nbcsports.com/
- Houston Rockets: https://www.nba.com/rockets/
- Oklahoma City Thunder: https://www.nba.com/thunder/
