The Thunder will host the Houston Rockets for the 2025-26 Opening Night on Tuesday, Oct. 21. As tradition, they will celebrate their NBA championship with a pregame banner drop and ring ceremony. Kevin Durant's attendance across the court gives this matchup some extra juice as it will start the NBC era.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers' final opponent in the 2024-25 season will be their first opponent in the 2025-26 season. The Pacers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game will air on ESPN.

ESPN announced on Tuesday the games they will broadcast as part of opening-week doubleheaders on Oct. 22 and 23. The Pacers will host the Thunder at 7:30 p.m. in an ESPN televised game on Oct. 23 after losing to the Thunder in seven games in the 2024-25 NBA Finals.