Overview
- Oklahoma City begins its title defense at Paycom Center against Houston with a championship ring ceremony to start Opening Night.
- Kevin Durant makes his Rockets debut after his offseason trade, adding intrigue to the Thunder-Houston opener.
- The Lakers host the Warriors without LeBron James, who is out with a sciatic nerve irritation and is expected to miss multiple weeks.
- The 2025-26 calendar features the NBA Emirates Cup from October 31 to December 16, All-Star Weekend from February 13-15 in Inglewood, the Play-In from April 14-17 and playoffs beginning April 18.
- The Thunder enter as favorites led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum influence the early competitive picture.