The 2025-26 NBA season is set to kick off with a bang, as the schedule release has brought excitement and anticipation among fans and teams alike. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers are leading the charge with some of the most anticipated matchups of the season.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Opening Night: The Oklahoma City Thunder will host Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets on October 21, followed by a clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
• Christmas Day Games: The New York Knicks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Denver Nuggets. If LeBron James plays in the Lakers' Christmas Day game against the Rockets, it will mark his 20th appearance on the holiday.
• National TV Games: The Thunder, Lakers, Warriors, and Knicks are tied for the most nationally televised games at 34, with the Wolves and Rockets close behind at 28.

Creative Schedule Announcements

Teams around the league have taken to social media to creatively announce their schedules:

• Atlanta Hawks: 'BASKETBALL IS COMING' with a countdown to the season.
• Boston Celtics: 'Schedule's lookin extra spicy' with a fiery reveal.
• Brooklyn Nets: A humorous take with 'The Brooklyn Nets' schedule, brought to you by the Nets of Brooklyn.'
• Charlotte Hornets: 'Hometown heroes' featuring local players.
• Chicago Bulls: 'First bucket unlocks the NBA schedule' with an interactive game.

Full Schedule Highlights

• Cooper Flagg's NBA Debut: The Dallas Mavericks will face the San Antonio Spurs, marking Cooper Flagg's first NBA game.
• ESPN/ABC Coverage: ESPN tips off its coverage with the New York Knicks hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With the schedule now out, fans can start planning their season and looking forward to the exciting games ahead. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as the season approaches.