In just two months, the NBA season will finally get underway. This week, hoops fans finally got some much-anticipated schedule leaks for the upcoming season. Already, the 2025-26 NBA schedule contains must-watch rivalries, primetime clashes between contenders, and enticing revenge games. Before the new season tips off, let’s take a look at five must-watch NBA matchups.
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Rockets vs. Thunder, October 21st
As usual, the NBA offseason was filled with a flurry of moves. None were more impactful than Kevin Durant’s trade to the Rockets. Entering the summer, Houston was already well-positioned to contend in the loaded Western Conference. By trading for an elite scorer, Ime Udoka’s defensive-minded squad added a much-needed top option on offense. Last season’s #3 seed has officially put the association on notice.
If the Rockets are going to compete for a championship, they’ll need to prove it against the best of the best. No squad presents more of a challenge than the defending champion Thunder. Led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City’s youthful roster has its eyes set on a dynasty. OKC will begin its title defense against none other than Durant. Not too long ago, the former MVP went from hero to villain when he joined the Warriors. Now, he’ll get to watch his old franchise celebrate in primetime. It’s difficult to write a more enticing opening night storyline than this one.
Nuggets vs. Warriors, October 23rd
As good as the Thunder are, they aren’t the only Western Conference contenders. The Nuggets dramatically revamped their roster around Nikola Jokic this offseason. Gone is former champion Michael Porter Jr., now a member of the Nets. In his place is sharpshooter Cam Johnson and a slew of over-qualified bench pieces. By adding more depth around its superstar center, Denver appears to have re-ignited its championship’ window.
The new-look Nugs will get their first test against the rival Warriors. Despite a quiet offseason, Golden State’s experienced core still strikes fear into the rest of the association. Still, questions remain over if this group of aging stars has enough left in the tank. Stephen Curry, at 37 years old, might not have many battles left with Jokic. At this point, seeing two all-time greats go at it is reason enough to tune in.
Mavericks vs. Lakers, November 28th
The majority of the 2025-26 NBA schedule has not been released yet. Therefore, we still don’t know when Luka Doncic will make his return trip to Dallas. Still, a showdown in Los Angeles still packs a punch. Obviously, all the talk will center around the newest Lakers superstar. Last season’s shocking blockbuster took the entire sports world by storm. Never one to let any slight go, expect Doncic to come out firing on all cylinders.
Even without factoring in the trade heard ’round the world, there’s an abundance of storylines here. Number one overall pick Cooper Flagg will make his first ever appearance in Los Angeles. LeBron James suiting up for perhaps the final time against old teammate Anthony Davis? However you slice it, Lakers vs. Mavericks is one every NBA fan should circle on their calendar.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks, December 25th
The Western Conference is getting most of the attention right now, and for good reason. Regardless, someone has to come out of the East. The two likeliest, and healthiest, contenders are the Cavaliers and the Knicks. Cleveland’s phenomenal regular season ended in a disappointing second-round playoff loss against the Pacers. The Knicks took down the Celtics en route to their deepest postseason run in 25 years. However, New York saw its season end vs. arch-rival Indiana.
Ahead of this potential postseason preview, the NBA has made sure to put these two teams in primetime. With respect to their opening week showdown, we should known more about the Cavs and Knicks by December. Besides, few events in basketball are more iconic than Madison Square Garden on Christmas. New York native Donovan Mitchell will be itching to put on a show. However, Clutch Player of the Year Jalen Brunson shines when the lights are brightest. Expect plenty of fireworks at the Mecca to kickstart X-Mas.
Spurs vs. Thunder, December 25th
It’s only right that the defending champs recieve two games on this list. While the Thunder will face better teams, a Christmas clash with the Spurs could be an instant classic. It all starts with Victor Wembanyama, already a superstar at 21 years old. Paired with De’Aaron Fox and no. two pick Dylan Harper, San Antonio’s center is poised for a dominant season. Still, in the Wild West, making the leap towards postseason contention is easier said than done. If the Spurs are going to take that next step, a win vs. OKC could come in handy.
We’ve already discussed plenty when it comes to Oklahoma City. However, one of the few avenues for this group to get better is down low. Chet Holmgren is already a good NBA player, but the youngster still has room to grow. His budding rivalry with another uber-talented big man should add a bit of spice to this matchup. Last Christmas, Wembanyama dropped 42 points and 18 rebounds in an epic duel against the Knicks at MSG. A similar performance against a smothering Thunder defense won’t be as easy. Can the French phenom lead the Spurs to an upset win?
