Kevin Durant returns to Phoenix as a Houston Rocket on Nov. 24.
Anthony Davis returns to Los Angeles as a Dallas Maverick on Nov. 28.
The Lakers, Warriors, Thunder, and Knicks are tied for the most nationally televised games (34).
The NBA season will have nationally televised games every day of the week, thanks to new partnerships with NBC/Comcast and Amazon.
LeBron James enters his record-setting 23rd NBA season, and Luka Doncic returns for his first full season with the Lakers.
Why this matters: The schedule sets the stage for compelling narratives and assesses how the league views certain franchises and players, influencing fan engagement and media coverage.
The 2025-26 NBA schedule is packed with intriguing storylines. Kevin Durant's return to Phoenix and Anthony Davis's return to Los Angeles are highly anticipated. The Lakers, tied with the Warriors, Thunder, and Knicks for the most nationally televised games, reflect the league's focus on star power and marketability. The rise of teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder also demonstrates a shift towards highlighting young, dominant teams.
New broadcast partnerships with NBC/Comcast and Amazon will provide national telecasts every day of the week, expanding the league's reach.
The Lakers' schedule includes an opening game against the Warriors on Oct. 21 and a Christmas Day game against the Houston Rockets. Their annual Grammy trip will include a game against the Clippers on Jan. 22.
Teams with the fewest nationally televised games, such as the Wizards and Jazz, are generally in rebuild mode, indicating the league's emphasis on competitive and star-driven teams for national broadcasts.
Q: When does Kevin Durant return to Phoenix?
November 24 as a member of the Houston Rockets.
Q: When does Anthony Davis return to Los Angeles?
November 28 with the Dallas Mavericks.
Q: Which teams have the most nationally televised games?
The Lakers, Warriors, Thunder, and Knicks (34 games each).
The 2025-26 NBA schedule offers a blend of marquee matchups and emerging team narratives. Key takeaways include:
Star Returns:: Games featuring Durant and Davis returning to their former teams are must-watch events.
Broadcast Expansion:: New partnerships promise more nationally televised games across multiple platforms.
Team Dynamics:: The number of nationally televised games reflects the league's view of a team's potential and marketability.
Which game are you most looking forward to this season? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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