The NBA is making a grand return to NBC after a 20-year hiatus, with an exciting season opener scheduled for tomorrow, October 20, featuring reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. They will host the Houston Rockets and former Thunder star Kevin Durant at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The much-anticipated game will kick off with pre-game coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, leading up to the tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
As the Thunder raise their championship banner following a thrilling playoff run that concluded with their first title in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander is set to showcase his extraordinary talents. Last season, he not only earned the MVP title but also secured the Finals MVP and the scoring title, joining the elite ranks of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal. Thunder forward Jalen Williams also received recognition by being named to his first All-Star team.
The game promises to be electrifying, particularly with Durant making his debut for the Rockets. After a trade from the Phoenix Suns in July, Durant returns to Oklahoma City, where he spent the first nine seasons of his career. Still holding the franchise record for points per game, his matchup against his former team is highly anticipated. The Rockets also feature promising young talents, including Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün.
Halftime will include a segment from Mike Tirico’s interview with basketball legend Michael Jordan, part of the new series “MJ: Insights to Excellence,” which will air throughout the season.
Following the Rockets-Thunder game, the Golden State Warriors, led by two-time MVP Stephen Curry, will go against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles at 10 p.m. ET. Curry, entering his 17th season with Golden State, looks to lead his team after advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals last season. The Warriors will also feature Jimmy Butler in his first complete season with the team. Meanwhile, the Lakers will look to young star Luka Dončić, who joined the team earlier this year, but will be without LeBron James due to injury.
This season marks an important milestone for NBC Sports, which has a comprehensive schedule lined up, ensuring fans will enjoy an exciting array of matchups and memorable moments throughout the NBA season. With promising talent and storied legacies colliding on the court, this opening night is set to be a thrilling kickoff to what promises to be an exhilarating NBA season.