Aug 12, 2025 11:23 AM EDT
The release of the NBA opening night schedule and other marquee matchups sent a buzz through the basketball world on Tuesday. One of the biggest dates on the calendar is the season opener, set for Tuesday, Oct. 21. The big news is that the games will air on NBC and Peacock.
One of the commentators for the season on the new broadcast platforms will be Reggie Miller. The former NBA All-Star spent his entire career with the Indiana Pacers before joining the media. He worked on NBA on TNT from 2005 to 2025 and will now be a major part of the NBA on NBC Sports.
On Tuesday morning, Miller reacted to the news about opening night, now just over two months away.
“OHHHHH this is going to be GOOD!! Honored to be calling yet another opening night ring game October 21st, this time between the Champs @okcthunder and the @houstonrockets. But this takes on even greater meaning because all your hoop needs will be shown on @nbaonnbc @peacock this season.. Can’t wait to chomp it up with @miketiriconbc @noaheagle15 @jamalcrawford, fellas let’s bring the NOISE.. #RoundBallRockReturns“
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The first game will feature the Houston Rockets against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This will be Oklahoma City’s first game since winning the 2025 NBA finals. Houston entered last year’s playoffs as the No. 2 seed but fell to the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the first round.
The matchup will also mark the return of Kevin Durant to Oklahoma City after being traded from the Phoenix Suns in the offseason. He will face his old team while suiting up with Houston’s Fred VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, and a young, talented Rockets roster determined to challenge the defending champs in 2025-26.
The Thunder will be led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put together one of the most impressive seasons in league history. He led the NBA in scoring at 32.7 points per game, collected multiple awards, and spearheaded Oklahoma City’s title run. The Thunder return nearly their entire roster from last season.
USA: From left: TNT analysts Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford and play-by-play announcer Kevin Harland during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
TNT analysts Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford and play-by-play announcer Kevin Harland. — Source: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The second game stays in the Western Conference as Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors travel to Los Angeles to face LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Lakers.
Golden State, led by head coach Steve Kerr, still leans on Curry as its primary scorer. The Warriors hope for another deep playoff run with a full season of Jimmy Butler alongside Curry. They finished 48-34 last season, won the play-in game against Memphis, upset Houston in the first round, and then lost to Minnesota in the second round.
LeBron James will turn 41 later this season, but opening night with the King still carries weight. This will be his first full season playing alongside Doncic, making the Lakers one of the league’s most intriguing teams. Los Angeles went 50-32 last season but was eliminated in five games in the first round by the Timberwolves.
It shapes up to be a strong opening night, and NBC will look to make a statement with its coverage of the 2025-26 season.
About the Author
Rodney Knuppel
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Rodney Knuppel is a contributing writer to the Athlon Sports trending and breaking news team.