If you count the seasons from 1946 to 1949 when it was called the Basketball Association of America, the NBA will enter its 80th season when the 2025-26 campaign tips off. And for the fifth straight year, the NBA has managed to do the unthinkable.
Maybe you doubted it. Maybe I doubted it. But the NBA has managed to release another full regular-season schedule for all 30 participating teams. Scheduling is done. Flight and hotels are being coordinated. And we’ve all been scribbling away at physical paper calendars to write down the big games we want to see.
The NBA Cup group play will begin on Halloween night. Are you excited to see how your rods and cones will be assaulted by new courts? I know I am! As for now, there are 40 games on the schedule I’m looking forward to the most, so I ask that you take note of these games! (Inevitably, I probably left a good matchup or two off this list. I promise I left it out because I hate your favorite team. Still, toss the games you’re most looking forward to watching in the comments.)
(Editor’s note: All times Eastern; national TV info listed when applicable but subject to change.)
Western Conference finals preview? Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder, 9:30 p.m. Feb. 27, ESPN
This is the matchup I’m looking forward to the most, and we get it at least four times this season. Denver and OKC have each won a championship in the last three seasons, and we assumed both would be running the league for the foreseeable future when they were crowned champs.
The Nuggets got cheap and let their depth go, then they finally loaded back up with their bench and positions of concern after trading away Michael Porter Jr. this summer. The Thunder had one of the most dominant seasons we’ll ever see, have their entire roster intact and look even scarier. But it took them seven games to take out Nikola Jokić and a weak supporting cast. With Denver reloaded, can the champs keep beating them?
Western Conference finals rematch: Minnesota Timberwolves at OKC Thunder, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26, ESPN
I contend this series was closer than people assume, even though it ended in five games. The Wolves lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker this offseason but retained Julius Randle and Naz Reid. They have some young guys they hope can fill the void left by NAW. Is any of it enough to overpower the Thunder?
Minnesota played really well against them in the regular season, before the WCF. Anthony Edwards just turned 24 and is still getting better. Can he catch up to the MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? Not to mention, these teams do not like each other. Minnesota really had an issue with foul-drawing in their series, and it caused plenty of animosity.
Cleveland’s Darius Garland, left, and the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson could battle for Eastern Conference supremacy. (Brad Penner / Imagn Images)
Eastern Conference finals preview? Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks, 7 p.m. Oct. 22, ESPN
The injuries to Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard have changed the landscape in the East considerably. So is a Cavs-Knicks showdown this season a preview of conference finals to come? Or will other teams make sure that doesn’t happen? The Knicks bullied the Cavs in a playoff series back in 2023, but things have changed dramatically for both teams since then. This could end up being the best matchup we have in the East if everybody stays healthy.
Prodigal Son return/revenge: Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks, 8:30 p.m. Jan. 24, ABC
I know we already did the Luka-Dončić-return-to-Dallas thing back in April when he lit up his old Mavericks team for 45 points in a win. Guess what? Dallas fans still love him, and they still very much do not like Mavs executive Nico Harrison. Every time Luka comes back, even in Lakers uniforms, Mavs fans will be sure to praise him and give him a massive welcome back. This time, we’ll still have the Anthony Davis-against-the-Lakers dynamic, and we’ll also get Cooper Flagg testing himself against Luka and LeBron James. This will be must-see television.
Western Conference playoffs rematch: LA Clippers at Denver Nuggets, 10 p.m. Jan. 30, ESPN
This was a really fun series in the first round. We had some dramatic twists and turns, and it went to seven games before Denver put the hurting on the Clippers to close it out. The Clippers have added Bradley Beal and Chris Paul, along with Brook Lopez to be a proper counter to Jokić. Denver has reloaded its bench and added a possibly deadlier outside shooter with Cam Johnson.
Eastern Conference showdown: New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons, 7 p.m. Jan. 5, NBC
A rematch of a very contentious first-round series that had its own drama and intrigue. The Pistons switched some of their role players, bringing in Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert with Dennis Schröder, Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. leaving. They’re hoping the shooting of Robinson and the play-making of LeVert will be the extra boost required. Their toughness bothered the Knicks at times during their series. There was plenty of intensity and anger. Let’s hope it carries over.
Let’s see how you like it: Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers, 7 p.m. Nov. 3, League Pass
The Pacers didn’t have any remorse when they saw a Bucks team without Damian Lillard (following his Achilles rupture) and ceremoniously dispatched them from the first round of the playoffs. Fast-forward to this season, and while Lillard is gone from the Bucks, the Pacers are dealing with their own Achilles injury to a star guard. Tyrese Haliburton is missing this season with the same injury, and you can add in the element of Myles Turner leaving to play for the Bucks. With their recent rivalry the last couple years, I don’t expect Milwaukee to take it easy on Indiana.
Now we have KD: Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m. Nov. 26, ESPN
The Rockets have not figured out how to dispatch Steph Curry from the playoffs. Once again, he and the Warriors sent Houston home last season in the postseason in a seven-game, first-round series. Well, the Rockets have added Kevin Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith to the mix. Durant participated on the other side of this equation back in a heart-breaking 2017 Western Conference finals disappearing act from the Rockets. Now, Houston gets to bring KD to its side to try to show the Warriors they’re no longer the bullies here.
Top two seeds: Houston Rockets at OKC Thunder, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21, NBC
These were the top two seeds last season in the West, and we’ve seen the Rockets load up in a move toward being true contenders. They have a lot of defenders to throw at SGA, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. They also have a lot more offense to use against OKC’s staunch title-winning defense. This will be a great series to track all season long.
Got bigger: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m. Oct. 29, Prime Video
Remember when Rudy Gobert made the Lakers look like a 6-foot-5-and-under league participant? The Wolves embarrassed the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, and Gobert looked like Shaquille O’Neal in the closeout game. The Lakers have Deandre Ayton now as their center, and they’re hoping that’s enough size to remind the Wolves that they should fear a team with Luka and LeBron. We’ll see if that’s enough.
KD in the desert: Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns, 9:30 p.m. NOV. 24, Peacock
This is a bit of a two-fer with Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks facing their old team, but this will primarily be about KD coming back to Phoenix to face his old team and Devin Booker. They gave him the exit he wanted, but I’m guessing there won’t be a gift basket of gratitude coming from him. He’ll want to drop 40 and get a W.
Anfernee Simons return: Boston Celtics at Portland Trail Blazers, 6 p.m. Dec. 28, League Pass
Simons spent the first seven years of his career in Portland, and now he’ll be back as a visitor for the first time. This is assuming the Celtics don’t dump his salary by then. I’d expect a warm welcome from the Blazers crowd, and then we get to see Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe go at him. We’re also getting Jrue Holiday facing his old team, with whom he won his second ring.
MPJ is back: Brooklyn Nets at Denver Nuggets, 9 p.m. Jan. 29, League Pass
Michael Porter Jr. won a title with Denver, and now he’s headed back to the Mile High City as an opposing player for the first time. The Nets probably won’t have much to play for, and they don’t have much tangible talent that can win now. So this will likely be a blowout win for the Nuggets. But maybe we’ll get Porter trying to drop 50 in this one?
B.I. in the Bayou: Toronto Raptors at New Orleans Pelicans, 8 p.m. March 11, League Pass
Brandon Ingram was traded to Toronto at the deadline, but he never suited up for them the rest of the season. This will be the first time he faces the Pelicans, where he played the previous six seasons. That includes his lone All-Star season. Ingram has the contract the Pels didn’t want to extend to him. And maybe he’ll have revenge on his mind too.
Thanks for the big man: Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28, League Pass
The Hawks had a very aggressive offseason in an attempt to break themselves out of the escape room that is the Play-In Tournament and get serious about making noise in the East again. Part of that offseason was taking the salary dump of Kristaps Porziņģis from Boston. Now they return to where KP won his championship ring in 2024, and they’ll want to show a battered Celtics team it has to worry about the Hawks from here on out.
Norm! Miami Heat at LA Clippers, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, League Pass
Norman Powell is back in Los Angeles, where he spent the previous 3 1/2 seasons. The Clippers saw him play the best basketball of his career there and have the most individual success. The Heat desperately need his scoring, and he’ll be happy to provide it against his old team. He gets to show they made a mistake by wanting John Collins over him. Of course, it also paved the way for Bradley Beal’s addition for the Clips.
Bane returns*: Orlando Magic at Memphis Grizzlies (in Berlin), 2 p.m. Jan. 15, Prime Video
Desmond Bane spent the first five years of his career in Memphis becoming one of the top role players in the league. Now the Grizzlies have traded him to Orlando, where he’ll try to be the missing ingredient for the Magic. He faces Memphis for the first time but *both of their games are happening overseas. He’ll have to wait another season for his ovation from the Memphis crowd.
Brook is back: LA Clippers at Milwaukee Bucks, 3:30 p.m. March 29, League Pass
The last seven years happened in Milwaukee for Lopez. He finally left in free agency to go help the Clippers better prepare for a potential contending run in the West. He’s just the backup center for the Clippers, but he’ll be back in Milwaukee for a big return. Lopez helped the Bucks become champs in 2021, and he is beloved by that city. We’ll get a great return here, and maybe we even get a Robin Lopez sighting to join in the festivities.
Run the anger back: Golden State Warriors at Miami Heat, 7 p.m. Nov. 19, ESPN
We had the Jimmy-Butler-return-to-Miami game toward the end of last season after the trade to Golden State. Miami already got its cathartic moment by beating down the Warriors in that game. I’m guessing the vitriol will still exist for Heat fans. Butler will want to give a much better effort and bring home the win this time. This could be a very petty game, and we love petty here.
Big test No. 1: Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7 p.m. Jan. 26, Peacock
A couple playoffs ago, the Magic tested the Cavs by pushing their series to seven games. Now the Magic have a much more experienced duo with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. They also have Bane in the mix to add much-needed shooting and playmaking. Cleveland just had a historic season and then sputtered in the playoffs. Orlando will want to make a statement.
Big test No. 2: Orlando Magic at New York Knicks, 7 p.m. Nov. 12, ESPN
The Magic will also need to prove themselves against the Knicks, a team that is favored in the East. The Knicks have a great offense, and the Magic have a phenomenal defense. This will be a great matchup for nerding out on basketball stuff.
Eastern Conference measuring stick No. 1: Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic, 7 p.m. Oct. 24, League Pass
Both Orlando and Atlanta are looking to be the team that takes advantage of the wide-open East. They both have good young talent. They’ve both added key veterans. And both of these teams expect to take massive steps forward this season while jockeying for home-court advantage in the first round.
Eastern Conference measuring stick No. 2: Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic, 6 p.m. March 1, League Pass
Orlando wants to go beyond what Detroit established in its leap forward last season. The Pistons are looking to build on a big season from Cade Cunningham, while J.B. Bickerstaff gets them ready for a deeper playoff run. Jamahl Mosley will have the Magic with a much better all-around attack. But this should be a defensive battle.
Guessing on availability: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks, 7 p.m. Dec. 19, Prime Video
It’s always a great time when Joel Embiid is facing the Knicks and doing so at Madison Square Garden. The tricky part of this is hoping he’s available when the teams play, and Embiid is coming off more knee issues. Hopefully, he’s available this night and puts on a show in a great battle.
Size matters: Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks, 8 p.m. Dec. 23, NBC
You used to pencil this matchup in for the Luka-Jokić dynamic. Now we’re going to see how the Mavs’ deep frontcourt tries to throw bodies at Jokić. We’re also going to see Flagg go against one of the best teams in the league, and maybe even try to score on Aaron Gordon.
Nuggets reloaded: Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves, 9:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Peacock
For the last few years, this has been one of the best matchups in the NBA. The Wolves ruined the title defense in 2024, and they’ve handled them pretty well over the last two seasons. This Nuggets team has a lot more depth now, and they’ll be ready to re-establish themselves against an excellent Wolves team. Plus, Anthony Edwards against Jamal Murray should be pretty good.
Western Conference measuring stick No. 1: Golden State Warriors at OKC Thunder, 8 p.m. Nov. 11, League Pass
The Warriors were one of the best teams in the NBA after trading for Butler. The Thunder were the best team in basketball, and they’re now the defending champs. The Warriors will want to show them they have another team to worry about in pursuit of another title.
Western Conference measuring stick No. 2: OKC Thunder at San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 23, League Pass
You get Victor Wembanyama against Holmgren. You get a fun point guard battle between SGA and De’Aaron Fox. The youth and talent of the Thunder is virtually unmatched. The Spurs will want to show them there is a lot of youth and talent in San Antonio that OKC has to worry about. The Spurs are not at the Thunder’s level, but they want to show everybody they’re taking a leap.
Jokić versus KD: Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets, 9:30 p.m. Nov. 21, Prime Video
Aside from the Thunder, the Rockets and the Nuggets are going to have the best odds to win the West all season long, assuming health for the teams. For very different reasons, Durant and Jokić are two of the most unstoppable offensive players in NBA history. They’re still two of the greatest scorers with two of the greatest scoring touches we’ve ever seen. Two title contenders and two all-time greats. Sign me up!
The Texas-sized matchups between Victor Wembanyama and Alpern Şengün will be must-see TV. (Scott Wachter / Imagn Images)
Şengün versus Wemby: Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7, Prime Video
Alperen Şengün and Wembanyama have had some interesting battles in their two years. Wemby shut down Şengün a couple of times early last season, which was probably payback from a Wembanyama rookie year showdown when Şengün had 45 points on the Spurs’ franchise guy. Şengün has been trying to go through Wemby’s chest every time they play, and Wemby is having to learn how to battle against that brawn.
Wemby against Big Honey: San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets, 9:30 p.m. Nov. 28, League Pass
Wembanyama and Jokić have already had incredible individual battles against each other. Wemby is averaging 25.2 points, 14.6 rebounds, four assists, two steals and four blocks in six career games against Jokić. Big Honey is averaging 36.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.5 assists against Wemby. It’s the best big of this generation against the best big of the next one.
Ant versus KD: Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets, 9:30 p.m. Jan. 16, ESPN
I’m always here for Edwards and Durant having a little duel. This goes back to the first-round series sweep from 2024 when the Wolves shocked everybody by making the Suns look feeble. Ant was going right at his idol, KD. There has been a great mutual respect between the two. The Rockets have a much better team around KD now.
Ant versus Steph/Jimmy: Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 24, ABC
For about 18 minutes, the Warriors looked like they could challenge the Wolves and make their way back to the conference finals. Then Curry pulled his hamstring, missed the rest of the series and the Warriors couldn’t hang with Minnesota. We know Ant’s newfound 3-point excellence was partially inspired by Curry. We know they bonded during the Olympics. We know the Butler hatred in Minnesota. We know Draymond Green can’t stand Gobert, nor his success. There’s a lot here, but mostly I want to see Ant and Steph match each other shot for shot.
Giannis versus Luka: Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 p.m. Jan. 9, League Pass
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Dončić are two of the greatest players we’ll ever see. If you want to be annoyed by storylines surrounding this matchup, a big narrative push will be about the Lakers trying to pair the two players together at some point in the near future. Giannis might not stay in Milwaukee. We know Luka is in LA for the long run. The stories outside of the basketball will be loud for this one.
No. 1 versus No. 2: San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks, 9:30 p.m. Oct. 22, ESPN
Flagg against Dylan Harper. There wasn’t debate about who should be picked first in the 2025 draft. This wasn’t a Greg Oden-Kevin Durant or Derrick Rose-Michael Beasley situation. But getting the first and second picks together is often noteworthy, and the Mavs and Spurs playing is a fun matchup.
No. 2 versus No. 3: San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers, 8 p.m. March 3, Peacock
We also didn’t have a debate between the second and third picks, but Harper and VJ Edgecombe should guard each other quite a bit in this one. Harper is a big physical guard. He has some size on Edgecombe, but the Sixers rookie might be the best athlete in the class.
What could have been, Pt. 1: Utah Jazz at Charlotte Hornets, 6 p.m. Nov. 2, League Pass
The Hornets could have tried to draft Ace Bailey, even though he didn’t want to go there. They tried to trade down in the draft, but they had to worry about the Jazz picking Kon Knueppel with the fifth pick if the Hornets moved down to sixth or lower. So we have a few big games of draft chicken converging in this matchup.
What could have been, Pt. 2: Utah Jazz at Washington Wizards, 7 p.m. March 5, League Pass
Speaking of what could have been, the Wizards wanted to move up to get Bailey in the draft. They were part of the rumored trade possibilities with Charlotte moving down before they blinked at Utah grabbing their guy. The Wizards ended up with a good one in Tre Johnson, and a battle between Johnson and Bailey should be really fun.
What could have been, Pt. 3: Utah Jazz at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, League Pass
One more time! Bailey was the topic of the draft for a lot of reason. The Rutgers product was also interested in playing in Brooklyn, but the Nets never moved up to get him. Instead, they ended up with Egor Demin at No. 8.
Present versus future? Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. Oct. 31, League Pass
They’re calling Yang Hansen the “Chinese Jokić.” I’m excited to see what the Blazers rookie big man looks like against the real Jokić.
(Top photo of Nikola Jokić and Isaiah Hartenstein: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)