The NBA’s 2025-26 schedule is officially here, and it’s already delivering plenty of drama before the first tip-off. Between high-profile reunions, MVP-caliber battles, and clashes that could decide playoff seeding months in advance, this year’s slate is filled with must-see matchups from opening night to the season’s final weeks. Some games will set the tone for the title race early, while others could serve as a Finals preview or a bitter rivalry renewed.
Here are the five biggest games every NBA fan should have circled on their calendar.
Honorable Mentions
It's hard to pick just five games from a loaded NBA calendar. The Christmas Day game between the Lakers and Rockets, for example, qualifies as a premium game due to the iconic matchup between LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Of course, most of the Christmas games could be on this list, so we've only included one of them to focus on other matchups.
You could also make a case for the Thunder vs. Spurs game on December 23rd. Besides Chet Holmgren and Victor Webanyama being rivals, both teams are young and exciting enough to deliver an electric showdown, but they are likely to be on opposite ends of the standings next season. Finally, there's an interesting matchup on October 26 between the Bucks and Cavaliers that should tell us a lot about the Eastern Conference hierarchy. This game narrowly missed the cut, given that the Bucks are still reeling from the loss of Damian Lillard.
October 21: Rockets At Thunder
NBA opening night begins with a bang this year, featuring a pair of high-quality games between some of the NBA's most popular teams. Mostly, all eyes will be on Oklahoma City as they celebrate their championship victory in the NBA's annual ring ceremony. It's a historic moment, given that the Thunder have never won a title before.
In a massive twist, former Thunder superstar Kevin Durant will be there watching as he watches his old team raise a banner and complete what he was never able to for the franchise. Besides the history between Durant and OKC, this game will give us amazing action on the court between two of the West's best teams. Since it'll be Durant's first game with his new team, it will be the first time that fans get to see how the Rockets match up against the defending champions.
December 25: Cavaliers At Knicks
With the Celtics and Pacers set to take a gap year, it leaves the Eastern Conference wide open, and these two teams will be battling for the top spot. While the Cavaliers lost early in the playoffs in 2025, summer additions and internal growth could solidify their place atop the standings once again. At the very least, the Cavaliers will be playing some high-quality basketball after making improvements to a roster that went 64-18 last season.
As one of two teams to make the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Knicks will give them a tough challenge in a matchup that includes stars like Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Jalen Brunson. Plus, after their playoff series a few years ago, which the Cavaliers never forgot, both sides will be eager to make a statement about their status as contenders.
January 24: Lakers At Mavericks
It's been months since the trade that shook the basketball world, but there is still major resentment between Luka Doncic and his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The first matchup between the Mavs and Lakers next season is actually in November (for the Emirates NBA Cup), but this game in January will be Luka's first return to Dallas in 2025-26.
The tension will be high and emotions will be strong as both teams encounter players who used to be on the other side. As Luka looks to make a statement and get revenge for the Mavericks' disrespect, former Laker Anthony Davis will be looking to prove that they never needed him in the first place. This showdown won't just be a must-watch game; it could be one of historic proportions as an easy contender for game of the year.
February 27: Nuggets At Thunder
Going into next season, the Thunder are the favorites to win the title and mark their place in history as back-to-back champions. But if there's one team that could give the Thunder a run for their money, it's the Nuggets. They took Oklahoma City to seven games in the 2025 Western Semifinals, and there's reason to believe they can come out on top if they meet again.
That's what makes their matchup in February so important. Besides featuring two competitive teams, it will also include the two players who are most likely to place in the top three in MVP voting: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. In many ways, it's a clash of titans in the West, and there will no doubt be a playoff atmosphere to match.
April 9: Lakers At Warriors
The NBA is a star-driven league, and no two stars are bigger than LeBron James and Stephen Curry. They've defined this era of NBA basketball, and their matchups are always must-see TV. While the Lakers and Warriors face off multiple times during the season (including on opening night), this matchup is extra special because it could be the last time we ever see them go against each other.
After meeting in the NBA Finals four times, with four championships for each, the NBA legends have established a legacy that will never be forgotten. But at 40 and 37 years old, respectively, retirement is quickly approaching, and any season could be their last. This game in April could be the final glimpse at a classic matchup. At the very least, it'll be the last we see of it next season.
2025-26 NBA Schedule Is Set
From opening night in Oklahoma City to a possible final LeBron-Curry duel in April, the 2025-26 NBA schedule is stacked with matchups that will define the season. Whether it’s about revenge, rivalry, or raising a banner, these games offer something for every kind of fan and could shape the playoff picture long before spring arrives. Each one carries its own storylines, from emotional homecomings and bitter breakups to MVP showdowns and potential Finals previews. By the time these games are in the books, we’ll have a much clearer picture of who’s truly built for a deep playoff run and who still has work to do.
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