As for the Thunder, who won 68 games against just 14 losses last season, their core remains intact, with Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, leading the charge. Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort and Alex Caruso are all still in the Thunder’s fold.

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.

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.