NBA on NBC opening night: How to watch, matchups, schedule for 2025-26 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The NBA is finally back on NBC.

For the first time since 2002, the league will once again broadcast games on the network.

It all tips off on opening night Oct. 21, with a banner-raising ceremony in Oklahoma City followed by a classic California rivalry.

Here are all the details for the NBA on NBC:

When does the NBA on NBC return?

The NBA on NBC returns Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025.

This is the beginning of an 11-year media rights deal between the NBA and NBCUniversal. The network will have two primetime windows during the week (Tuesdays and a Peacock exclusive doubleheader on Mondays), Sunday Night Basketball after football season ends and playoff games.

Who is playing on NBA opening night on NBC?

NBA opening night will feature four Western Conference teams in a doubleheader.

First, the Oklahoma City Thunder will celebrate their first championship in the city before facing former OKC star Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. After that, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers will host Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.

How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock this season

Both opening night games will air live on NBC, with a streaming option on Peacock.

Every game for the NBA on NBC will air on both NBC and Peacock, aside from the Monday night exclusive doubleheaders on the streaming service. That means there will be basketball on NBC every Tuesday night, plus Sunday nights once the NFL season wraps up in February.

NBC and Peacock will also air the NBA Mexico City Game 2025 (Nov. 1), the first-ever quadrupleheader on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19) and NBA All-Star Weekend (Feb. 14-15).

Who are the NBA on NBC broadcasters and announcers?

NBC has put together a loaded lineup for its NBA broadcasting team, including a handful of Hall of Famers — and even the GOAT.

Here’s a breakdown of the NBC team for the NBA this season:

In-arena game coverage

• Play-by-play:Mike Tirico, Noah Eagle, Terry Gannon, Michael Grady
• Game analysts:Reggie Miller, Grant Hill, Jamal Crawford, Derek Fisher, Austin Rivers, Brian Scalabrine, Robbie Hummel, Brad Daugherty
• Sideline reporters: Zora Stephenson, Jordan Cornette, Ashley ShahAhmadi

Pre-game, post-game and studio coverage

• Hosts: Maria Taylor, Ahmed Fareed
• Analysts:Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Austin Rivers, Brian Scalabrine

Insiders

• Front office: Grant Liffmann
• Breaking news: Chris Mannix

Special contributor

• Michael Jordan

Music

• Theme song: Roundball Rock
• Sunday Night Basketball lead-in: Lenny Kravitz

NBA on NBC full schedule for 2025-26 season

NBC and Peacock are set to air 100 regular-season games.

Here’s a look at the full schedule for the 2025-26 season (all times ET):

• Tuesday, Oct. 21: Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Oct. 21: Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers — 10 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Oct. 27: Cleveland Cavaliers at Detroit Pistons — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Oct. 27: Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Oct. 28: New York Knicks at Milwaukee Bucks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Oct. 28: Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Saturday, Nov. 1: Dallas Mavericks vs. Detroit Pistons — 10 p.m. (Peacock, Mexico City Game)
• Monday, Nov. 3: Minnesota Timberwolves at Brooklyn Nets — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Nov. 4: Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Nov. 4: Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Nov. 10: Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Nov. 11: Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Nov. 11: Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Nov. 17: Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Nov. 18: Detroit Pistons at Atlanta Hawks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Nov. 18: Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Nov. 24: Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Nov. 24: Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Nov. 25: Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock,NBA Cup Group Play)
• Tuesday, Nov. 25: Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, NBA Cup Group Play)
• Monday, Dec. 1: Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic — 7:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Dec. 1: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Dec. 2: New York Knicks at Boston Celtics — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Dec. 2: Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Dec. 8: Sacramento Kings at Indiana Pacers — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Dec. 8: San Antonio Spurs at New Orleans Pelicans — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Dec. 15: (TBD) — Peacock
• Monday, December 22: Charlotte Hornets at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Dec. 22: Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Dec. 23: Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Dec. 23: Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers — 11 p.m. ( NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Dec. 29: Cleveland Cavaliers at San Antonio Spurs — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Dec. 29: Dallas Mavericks at Portland Trail Blazers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Dec. 30: Philadelphia 76ers at Memphis Grizzlies — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Dec. 30: Sacramento Kings at Los Angeles Clippers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 5: New York Knicks at Detroit Pistons — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 5: Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers — 8:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 5: Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Jan. 6: Miami Heat at Minnesota Timberwolves — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Jan. 6: Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 12: Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers — 7:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 12: Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Jan. 13: Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Jan. 13: Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 19: Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks — 1 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 19: Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers — 2:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 19: Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks — 5 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 19: Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Jan. 20: San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Jan. 20: Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets — 10 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 26: Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 26: Portland Trail Blazers at Boston Celtics — 8 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Jan. 26: Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Jan. 27: Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Jan. 27: Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz — 10 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Sunday, Feb. 1: Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks — 7 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
• Sunday, Feb. 1: Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets — 9:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
• Monday, Feb. 2: Houston Rockets at Indiana Pacers — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Feb. 2: Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Feb. 3: Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Feb. 2: Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Monday, Feb. 9: Milwaukee Bucks at Orlando Magic — 7:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Feb. 9: Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
• Sunday, Feb. 22: Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers — 6:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
• Monday, Feb. 23: San Antonio Spurs at Detroit Pistons — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, Feb. 23: Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, Feb. 24: New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, Feb. 24: Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Sunday, March 1: Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
• Monday, March 2: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks — 7:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, March 2: Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, March 3: San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, March 3: Phoenix Suns at Sacramento Kings — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Sunday, March 8: Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
• Monday, March 9: Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, March 9: New York Knicks at Los Angeles Clippers — 10 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, March 10: Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, March 10: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Sunday, March 15: Golden State Warriors at New York Knicks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
• Monday, March 16: Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, March 16: Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics — 8 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, March 16: Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets — 9 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, March 17: Cleveland Cavaliers at Milwaukee Bucks — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, March 17: San Antonio Spurs at Sacramento Kings — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Sunday, March 22: Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
• Monday, March 23: Memphis Grizzlies at Atlanta Hawks — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, March 23: Golden State Warriors at Dallas Mavericks — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, March 24: Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, March 24: Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Sunday, March 29: New York Knicks at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Sunday, March 29: Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets — 10 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
• Monday, March 30: Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Monday, March 30: Detroit Pistons at Oklahoma City Thunder — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, March 31: New York Knicks at Houston Rockets — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, March 31: Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Sunday, April 5: Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks — 7:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
• Sunday, April 5: Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors — 10 p.m. (NBC, Peacock, Telemundo)
• Monday, April 6: New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks — 7 p.m. (Peacock)
• Tuesday, April 7: Minnesota Timberwolves at Indiana Pacers — 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)
• Tuesday, April 7: Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns — 11 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)

Winning your fantasy league starts with finding the best fantasy basketball sleepers—undervalued NBA players with breakout potential. In this guide, we highlight mid-round value picks and late-round steals you need to know heading into your 2025 draft. These NBA fantasy sleepers are flying under the radar based on current ADP, lineup shifts, and injury reports. Whether you're digging through NBA projections, keeping up with the latest NBA news, or targeting upside, these are the best NBA fantasy basketball sleepers to help you win big this season.

Mid-Round Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

These are players that will certainly be drafted but are worth the risk of grabbing a bit sooner than expected to secure their significant potential. 

Matas Buzelis, Bulls

The forward is a multi-dimensional player primed to take on a larger and more consistent role from last season. With the Bulls making a shift towards focusing on their younger core, he will have the green light on offense, while he also has the size and quickness to block shots on the defensive end. 

Keyonte George, Jazz

George may play off the bench, but his ability to score and distribute at a high level should result in him racking up the stats in what could resemble a sixth-man role. He has also shown a knack for contributing on the glass, which will help round out his overall production. 

Dennis Schroder, Kings

The point guard has bounced around the league over the last few seasons but has made impressive statements on the international stage in recent summers, leading Germany to a FIBA World Cup and a EuroBasket championship. He is set for a fresh start with the Kings, where he is surrounded by top-tier offensive talent that should help his own production.

Ace Bailey, Jazz

The rookie is set to take on a starting role with the Jazz and has already turned heads with a couple of notable preseason performances. His six-foot-eight frame stacks up very well against competition at the wing, and he could quickly become a top scoring option for his squad. 

Isaiah Jackson, Pacers

Jackson was limited to just five games due to injury last season, but with the departure of Myles Turner, he is in line to take on the starting center job for the Pacers. He should fit in well with their fast-paced style of play and could take a major leap in production in a much more significant role compared to his first four seasons. 

Quentin Grimes, 76ers

Grimes stunned the league by pouring in impressive point totals after being traded to the 76ers last season. He is back for his second campaign with the squad and will have the opportunity to pick up where he left off. He would also be right back in position to take on a leading role in the offense should either Paul George or Joel Embiid become unavailable. 

Ayo Dosunmu, Bulls

The well-rounded wing may find himself mostly in a bench role after the Bulls' acquisition of Isaac Okoro. However, he is a tough competitor with a proven ability to contribute across the stat sheet and will certainly see significant action. He could also work his way back into a role as a starter, which he earned last season, before injuries took him out of the loop. 

Bennedict Mathurin, Pacers

The 2022 No. 6 overall pick is set to take on a starting role following a shift within the Pacers' lineup due to the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. He has proven able to provide an impact across the board through his first three seasons but has not had the chance to break out while mostly limited to a bench role. He could be up for a career season and take his game to new heights as a result of the increased opportunity. 

Late-Round Steals: Deep Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

These are players who are likely to slip to the final rounds or not be drafted at all in many leagues but who may become highly sought-after targets off the waiver wire.

Nikola Jovic, Heat

The recently-extended Jovic has all the tools to be a strong contributor across the board but has not been able to achieve much consistency over his first three seasons. However, he showed solid production in relation to his playing time last year, and he remains in position to handle a key part of the Heat's frontcourt rotation. 

Chris Boucher, Celtics

A veteran big, Boucher has a new home with the Celtics. Although he is expected to begin the season in a bench role, he could potentially make a case to move up as a starter, especially considering the squad does not have any clear-cut standouts in the frontcourt. His long-range shooting, ability to run the floor and shot-blocking provide many opportunities for him to rack up stats. 

Adem Bona, 76ers

Bona elevated his game towards the end of last season, showing that he can score, rebound and block shots at an impressive rate. With Joel Embiid's ability to remain available in question, Bona could find himself thrust into a major role at any time. Nonetheless, he should be able to deliver notable production even from a bench role. 

Brice Sensabaugh, Jazz

The wing could find himself in a starting role for the Jazz in his third NBA season. He has shown flashes of potential to be a 20-point-per-game scorer, including knocking down shots with efficiency from long range. While his squad is not beholden to any major expectations, he should have the opportunity to carve a path as a high-volume contributor. 

Cam Whitmore, Wizards

The talented scorer was unable to find a consistent role among the Rockets' lineup, but it was less due to his ability and more a result of their many options at the wing. He should have a much better opportunity to take ownership of a place in the rotation with the Wizards and could even break into the starting lineup if there is a time when the veteran Khris Middleton is unavailable. 

Jerami Grant, Trail Blazers

Grant could find himself in a bench role for the Trail Blazers, behind Toumani Camara. However, he will likely still see significant playing time and could end up on the floor to close games with regularity. He averaged over 19 points per game for four straight seasons before injuries limited his usage in 2024-25.  

Jared Butler, Suns

Butler is set to debut for the Suns, where he is expected to take on a backup role behind Devin Booker at point guard. He has shown flashes of an ability to rack up significant numbers in points and assists, but inconsistent opportunity has limited him. However, with the makeup of the Suns roster, his services should be required on a more steady basis, which could result in a career season.

Brandin Podziemski aims to become household name, long-term leader for Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Brandin Podziemski is entering his third NBA season determined to make an even bigger impact for the Warriors.

In an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke on “Dubs Talk,” the 22-year-old guard reflected on his growth and how he is preparing to take another step forward — potentially into a full-time starting role.

“Yeah, I think so,” Podziemski said when asked if he’s making a case to start. “I think selfishly, everybody wants to be a starter, but it comes down to what’s best for the team at that moment and in that game, so I think I work and prepare and do those things in the summer to showcase that I am a starter and that I belong and that I can be a household name for the Warriors, and that’s always my goal and what I look forward to. But like I said, the team comes first. Whatever Steve [Kerr] and the team thinks is best is what we do and that’s what I’ve been ok with.”

Podziemski appeared in 64 regular-season games last season, starting 33 of them, and averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 37.2 percent from 3-point range. He also started 10 of 11 playoff games despite playing through an injury, showing poise well beyond his years.

The 2023 first-round draft pick knows earning that starting spot means complementing the Warriors’ biggest star: Steph Curry. Playing alongside the 16-year veteran requires constant motion and chemistry — two things Podziemski believes he steadily has mastered.

“I think a lot of people make it a lot more complicated than it is,” Podziemski said about learning to play with Curry. “It’s a unique thing, he is a unique player that kind of runs around the floor, so it’s a little bit unique, but once you get the hang of it, like anything, the more you do something the easier it becomes, so I think I’ve developed a great connection with him, with Jimmy [Butler], with Draymond [Green], so I think I fit perfectly for that spot next to him.”

Podziemski spent his first two seasons learning from Curry and Green, players whose leadership defines the franchise. He even hopes to one day help carry that torch when they retire — though for now, he’s content to learn from the ones still holding it.

“Obviously, like I said, it comes down to whatever they think too, so I’m just ready for whatever is presented and given my way,” Podziemski added.

That mindset — trusting the process and staying ready for whatever’s presented — has defined Podziemski’s rise so far, and it might just carry him into a permanent role.

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Brandin Podziemski shares crucial lesson learned from Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Brandin Podziemski isn’t wasting his opportunity to pick the brains of a pair of the NBA’s best players of their generation.

With Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler serving as invaluable resources for the 22-year-old guard, Podziemski is seeking to take a leaf from the All-Star duo’s career longevity.

During an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke on “Dubs Talk,” Podziemski explained how much he admires Curry and Butler’s ability to play a high number of games at an elite level despite being in their late 30s.

“I’ve looked at both Steph and Jimmy in particular, and how year after year, they’re able to play 65-plus games being at the age they are, and doing it at the usage and high level they’re doing it at. I’ve definitely asked my fair share of questions to both of things in the offseason, things in-season they do to help them stay healthy.

“I think another goal of mine is just, ‘How can I play 75-plus games?’ Obviously, the first year I think it was 74, this year I think it was in the 60s, so how can I try and get up to that 80-mark this year and be there present for all the games.”

Curry has played at least 70 games in each of the last two seasons, despite turning 35 and 36 in each respective campaign.

Butler appeared in 29 of a possible 30 regular-season games for Golden State after being acquired at the trade deadline, with his availability sparking an incredible run that launched the Warriors into the postseason where they were able to upset the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed Houston Rockets.

Podziemski recently stated his desire to earn the trust of becoming a franchise cornerstone once Golden State’s older core decides to hang it up, and learning how to make himself as available as possible for the marathon that is the NBA season could prove to be invaluable in the pursuit of his lofty goal.

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