The NBA is finally back and here at PayPerHead, we bring you the NBA Schedule 2025 with all the key dates you need to kick off the new season without missing a beat.
Opening Night tips off on Tuesday, October 21, with two great matchups: the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by a clash of legends when the Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 p.m. ET.
New Faces and Old Friends Shaping the NBA 2025 Season
As always, the start of a new season comes with plenty of movement. Trades, free agency, and the draft have reshaped rosters across the league, setting the stage for an unpredictable year.
Former Celtics champion Al Horford joins the Golden State Warriors, fitting perfectly into a veteran locker room chasing one last title run. Their Opening Night opponents, the Lakers, re-signed Luka Dončić to a three-year, $165 million deal to secure their offensive core.
In Portland, Damian Lillard returns home after a stint with the Bucks, while the Cavaliers strengthened their lineup by adding Lonzo Ball, who’ll wear the iconic No. 2 jersey. In Denver, Jonas Valančiūnas joins forces with Nikola Jokić, promising a defensive duo that will be hard to break.
The Clippers made bold moves, adding Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and Brook Lopez, while the Suns brought in Dillon Brooks. Perhaps the biggest headline, though, is the Rockets’ trade for veteran Kevin Durant, instantly making Houston a playoff contender.
Key Dates and Matchups for the Emirates NBA Cup 2025
The NBA Cup returns for its third edition, bringing more excitement to the NBA 2025 schedule. The tournament tips off on October 31 with group-stage games running through November 28.
The Quarterfinals are set for December 9–10, followed by the Semifinals and Championship Game on December 13 and 16, respectively — both taking place in Las Vegas. Fans can catch the entire NBA Cup live on Prime Video. Here’s a look at the groups:
NBA 2025-2026 Games Around the World
As usual, the NBA takes part of its schedule beyond U.S. borders, bringing the game to fans around the globe.
This year’s NBA Mexico City Game features the Detroit Pistons vs. Dallas Mavericks at Arena CDMX on November 1, in what promises to be an exciting duel between Cade Cunningham and rookie Cooper Flagg, eager to showcase their skills.
In January 2026, two games will head overseas for the Berlin Game 2026 between the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies on January 15 at Uber Arena, followed by a rematch three days later in London, at The O₂ Arena on January 18.
Holiday Hoops with the NBA Christmas Games 2025
One of the most anticipated dates on the NBA calendar is the Christmas Games, when fans celebrate the holidays with a full slate of marquee matchups. The action starts with the Cavaliers at the Knicks, a clash between Donovan “Spida” Mitchell and Jalen Brunson. At 2:30 p.m. ET, Wemby’s Spurs take on MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending champions.
Later, Mavericks at Warriors marks Klay Thompson’s homecoming, as he faces his former Splash Brother, Stephen Curry.
The day wraps up with two heavyweight duels: Rockets at Lakers (Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James) and Timberwolves at Nuggets (Anthony Edwards vs. Jokić in Denver). Here’s a look at the full slate:
Playoffs and Important Dates to Watch in the NBA Schedule 2025
On January 19, 2026, the league celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with four games: Bucks at Hawks, Thunder at Cavs, Mavs at Knicks, and Celtics at Pistons. That same week, from January 20–24, fans will enjoy NBA Rivals Week, followed by the NBA All-Star Weekend, set for February 13–15 in Los Angeles, California.
The regular season concludes on April 12, leading into the Play-In Tournament from April 14–17, and finally, the Playoffs, beginning April 18, 2026. Everything is ready for the beginning of what promises to be a fascinating NBA 2025 season.
