Patryk Stachowiak
The first marquee dates of the 2025-26 NBA season are here, and the league is bringing back a dose of nostalgia. Opening night tips off on October 21 with two high-profile matchups on NBC — the network’s first NBA broadcast in over two decades.
Opening Night: Two Blockbuster Matchups
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the curtain rises with the Houston Rockets visiting the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s a heavyweight clash in the West, with the Thunder looking to defend their crown and the Rockets aiming to prove last season’s second-place finish was no fluke.
In the second game, it’s all eyes on Los Angeles as the Golden State Warriors face the Lakers. Fans could see Stephen Curry go head-to-head with LeBron James — provided James remains in purple and gold — in what could be an early-season ratings bonanza.
LeBron James and Steph Curry. Source: rompelamas.com
Christmas Day Schedule: Five-Game Showcase
The NBA’s Christmas Day tradition continues with a five-game lineup, though this year’s slate leans heavily toward the Western Conference:
- Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
- San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder
- Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers
- Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets
Only the Cavs-Knicks clash represents the East, while the Lakers and Warriors double up by appearing on both Opening Night and Christmas Day.
NBA vs. NFL: The Battle for Christmas Viewers
For decades, Christmas basketball has been an NBA staple. But in recent years, the NFL has muscled in with its own holiday games, pulling massive audiences. Last season, the NBA’s Christmas coverage averaged 5.25 million viewers — an 84% increase from the prior year, but far short of the NFL’s 24 million per game average on Netflix.
Even LeBron James admitted on the “New Heights” podcast that the NFL “kicked our ass” in the ratings. Part of that surge came from high-profile halftime entertainment — Beyoncé, in this case — giving the NFL an extra pop culture edge.
What to Expect in 2025
This year, the NFL’s holiday slate features three divisional matchups — Cowboys vs. Commanders, Lions vs. Vikings, and Broncos vs. Chiefs — all primed to draw huge numbers. The NBA’s lineup has plenty of star talent, but some fans may feel it’s missing the must-watch storyline matchups, like a potential Luka Dončić return to Dallas against the Lakers.
Still, early-season form, surprise trades, and breakout performances can quickly turn a “good” Christmas schedule into an unforgettable one. With Thunder, Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets all in prime slots, the stage is set for drama, rivalries, and big moments — exactly what NBA fans crave.