** NBA 2025-26 Schedule Preview: Key Dates and Highlights Revealed

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As anticipation builds for the upcoming NBA season, fans got a glimpse of the 2025-26 schedule, which is set to be fully released on Thursday, August 12, 2025. On Tuesday, the league provided key updates, outlining significant matchups that fans should mark on their calendars.

Among the standout events are the opening night games scheduled for October 21. The defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, will commence their title defense against the Houston Rockets. Simultaneously, the Los Angeles Lakers will kick off their season with a highly anticipated clash against the Golden State Warriors. This dual opening night promises to set the stage for what fans hope will be an electrifying season.

In addition to the season’s banner-raising ceremonies, the league has also announced its Christmas Day lineup, which features five exciting games. Notably, the Lakers will face off against the Rockets in a matchup that highlights some of the league’s brightest stars, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Luka Doncic. As reported by CBS Sports, Christmas Day has become a marquee date in the NBA calendar, and this year’s lineup is expected to deliver thrilling action and showcase the league’s elite talent.

While the complete schedule will drop later this week, fans were treated to announcements about some of the key matchups that will be broadcast nationally. NBC is making its return to NBA broadcasting after a lengthy hiatus since 2002, and it will kick off the season with the opening night doubleheader. The network will not only air the inaugural games but also will host the All-Star Game and other significant events throughout the season, including select playoff games. CBS Sports noted that this partnership represents a significant shift in the NBA’s broadcasting landscape, promising to enhance the viewing experience for fans.

The excitement doesn’t stop there; the unveiling of the full schedule on Thursday will provide a comprehensive look at each team’s journey through the season. This includes potential playoff implications, rivalries, and key matchups that could influence the standings as teams vie for postseason glory.

As basketball lovers gear up for another thrilling season, the announcements regarding opening night and Christmas Day have already begun to stoke the fires of excitement. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the season unfolds with their favorite teams facing off in what promises to be a memorable campaign.

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