Thunder to open 2025-26 NBA season vs. Rockets and host Spurs on Christmas Day

The Oklahoma City Thunder will kick off the 2025-26 NBA season on Opening Night, October 21, with a nationally televised home game against the Houston Rockets on NBC.

Friday, August 8th 2025, 5:13 pm

By: Jeremie Poplin

OKLAHOMA CITY -

The defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder will kick off the 2025-26 NBA season on Opening Night, October 21, with a home game against the Houston Rockets. The highly anticipated game will be broadcast nationally on NBC, marking a prime showcase for the Thunder as they defend their title, according to sources reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Thunder to Feature in 2025 NBA Christmas Day Schedule

The Thunder will also be featured on NBA Christmas Day, December 25, in a home game against the San Antonio Spurs. This nationally televised game on ABC and ESPN highlights the team’s continued prominence in the league spotlight.

Full 2025 NBA Christmas Day Schedule

Alongside the Thunder vs. Spurs game, other notable Christmas Day matchups include:

Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers
Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets

Thunder’s National Spotlight Continues

These high-profile games emphasize the Thunder’s status as one of the league’s most exciting teams to watch in the 2025-26 season, providing fans with multiple opportunities to see their championship team on national television.

Jeremie Poplin

Jeremie Poplin has been a trusted and familiar voice in Tulsa sports media for nearly 25 years. Jeremie serves as a sports producer and digital sports liaison for News On 6 while entering his 12th season as the radio sideline reporter and analyst for Tulsa football on Golden Hurricane Sports Properties.