Thunder Crowned NBA Champions, Face Rockets in Highly Anticipated Opener

On August 8th, 2025, the NBA announced that the Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Houston Rockets for the 2025-26 Opening Night on October 21st. This matchup will not only mark the start of the new NBA season, but also the first game of the league's new broadcast partnership with NBC.

The Thunder enter the season as the reigning NBA champions, led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The team will receive their championship rings and unveil the banner in a pregame ceremony, making for a highly anticipated event. However, the spotlight will also be on former Thunder star Kevin Durant, who will be making his debut for the Rockets against his old squad.

Durant's return to Oklahoma City is sure to be an emotional one, as he had an ugly divorce from the team back in 2016. Now, he'll be on the opposing side as the Thunder celebrate their title. Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander will begin his reign as the new face of the franchise, facing off against the player who was once considered the greatest in OKC history.

The Opening Night matchup promises to be a thrilling start to the 2025-26 NBA season, with the Thunder's championship celebration, Durant's dramatic return, and the natural rivalry between the two teams all coming together for a must-see event.