Just eight weeks after hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the Oklahoma City Thunder now have their eyes on a fresh slate of games for the 2025-26 season — one that includes a massive Opening Night matchup to relaunch “NBA on NBC” after a 23-year break, an ESPN debut on the network’s opening night, plus marquee showdowns on Christmas Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Today, OKC’s full schedule dropped, following the release of Group Play matchups for the league’s In-Season Tournament earlier this week. The takeaway? Last season’s championship run didn’t just turn heads — it flipped the whole national narrative. The Thunder will be on national TV 34 times, more than any other team in the league.
Yes, you read that right: the Oklahoma City Thunder will be the most nationally televised team in the NBA this season — a far cry from the years they were nearly invisible on the big stage. With that, here are the 10 most exhilarating matchups Thunder fans should have circled.
San Antonio Spurs – Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – ABC
Playoffs or not, the real draw here is the manufactured beef between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Add in the fact that it’s a Christmas Day game, and you’ve got a matchup built for drama.
Golden State Warriors – Mar. 7 – ABC
Steph Curry and Draymond Green still know how to draw a crowd, even if the dynasty days are behind them. This late-season game could carry playoff implications for both squads.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Nov. 26 – ESPN
Anthony Edwards just hits different in OKC. He’s electric, polarizing, and almost always delivers highlight-reel moments. These two teams also tend to bring the best out of each other.
Los Angeles Lakers – Feb. 9 – Peacock
The Lakers may not have it all figured out yet, but Luka Doncic is lighter and quicker, Deandre Ayton fills a glaring need, and LeBron James is still LeBron. By this point in the season, they’ll either be clicking or scrambling — both scenarios make for good TV.
Denver Nuggets – Mar. 9 – Peacock
The Nuggets remain OKC’s biggest threat, as last year’s grueling seven-game Western Conference Finals proved. This one could be a chess match… unless rest, injuries, or fatigue take the edge off late in the season.
Dallas Mavericks – Dec. 5 – Prime Video
The No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg makes his OKC debut. Anthony Davis is here. Klay Thompson? Maybe more sparkler than firework these days, but still a name that moves the needle. Throw in the “Battle of I-35” rivalry, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.
New York Knicks – NBC
Call me a believer — Jalen Brunson and the Knicks could come out of the East. If so, this could be a Finals preview between two teams that actually play basketball the right way.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Jan. 20 – NBC (MLK Day)
The Cavs dominated the East last season but fell short in the playoffs, just like OKC did in 2023-24. Two young, hungry squads on a day meant for impact and legacy? Sign me up.
Los Angeles Lakers – Nov. 11 – ESPN2
Early-season Lakers could be dangerous. Luka’s in shape, LeBron’s still playing, and Ayton’s settling in. If there’s a game where they punch first, it might be this one.
Houston Rockets – Oct. 21 – NBC (Opening Night)
Ring night. Banner raising. Kevin Durant on the other side. This one’s dripping with storylines — and that’s before you even talk about Houston being stacked.
The Thunder now have a chance to do what hasn’t been done in seven years: repeat as champions. Will they? That’s still to be seen — but with 34 nationally televised games, the basketball world will be watching every step.
