When will the Oklahoma City Thunder raise their first championship banner?

The Oklahoma City Thunder will raise their first championship banner on opening night, October 21, 2025, in front of former star Kevin Durant.

What is the key rivalry game to watch this season?

The key rivalry game to watch is the Atlanta Hawks at the New York Knicks on January 2, 2026, as Trae Young looks to regain his status as the villain at Madison Square Garden.

Which potential Finals preview game is scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

The potential Finals preview game is the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 19, 2026, featuring a matchup between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell.

Home / Sports / NBA's Blockbuster Matchups: Rivalries, Reunions, and Rings Galore

NBA's Blockbuster Matchups: Rivalries, Reunions, and Rings Galore

14 Aug

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Summary

NBA returns to NBC after 24 years, debuts on Peacock
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Thunder raise first championship banner
Trae Young vs. Knicks rivalry renewed at MSG

NBA's Blockbuster Matchups: Rivalries, Reunions, and Rings Galore

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating a slate of blockbuster matchups that promise high-level drama and excitement. The season will mark the league's return to NBC for the first time in 24 years, with games also streaming exclusively on Peacock.

One of the most anticipated opening-night games will be the Houston Rockets at the Oklahoma City Thunder. This matchup not only marks the NBA's return to NBC but also the Thunder's championship ring ceremony, as they raise the first banner won in the city. All eyes will be on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder as they celebrate their title in front of former Thunder star Kevin Durant.

Another key game to watch is the Atlanta Hawks at the New York Knicks on January 2nd. Trae Young has established himself as a villain at Madison Square Garden, and he'll look to regain that crown against the Knicks. Young's ability to thrive in the spotlight and silence the Knicks faithful is sure to make this a must-see event.

The season will also feature a potential Finals preview on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Cleveland Cavaliers. This matchup between the top seeds in each conference last season promises an entertaining showdown between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.