The NBA dropped its complete schedule Thursday for the 2025-26 regular season, which tips off Oct. 21 and runs through April 12.
A doubleheader on NBC, airing its first NBA games since the 2002 Finals, will serve as the curtain-raiser. The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Houston Rockets, now featuring former Thunder star Kevin Durant, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Los Angeles Lakers will then host Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors at 10 p.m. ET.
After beginning in mid-November last season, this year’s NBA Cup action starts on Halloween. The final is scheduled for Dec. 16 in Las Vegas, only one day earlier than the 2024 event.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct. 21 | Start of regular season |
| Oct. 31 | NBA Cup begins |
| Nov. 1 | Mexico City game (Pistons vs. Mavs) |
| Dec. 16 | NBA Cup championship (Las Vegas) |
| Jan. 15 | Berlin game (Magic vs. Grizzlies) |
| Jan. 18 | London game (Magic vs. Grizzlies) |
| Feb. 5 | Trade deadline (3 p.m. ET) |
| Feb. 13–15 | All-Star Weekend 2025 (Los Angeles) |
| April 12 | Regular season ends |
| April 14–17 | Play-in tournament |