Oklahoma City, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The NBA season kicked off with an exciting doubleheader featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets. Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, leads the Thunder as they unveil their championship banner. The Rockets, featuring Kevin Durant, aim to impress on Opening Night despite significant injuries affecting both teams. As they face challenges, both teams look to set the tone for the upcoming season, with new strategies in play amidst player absences.
Oklahoma City kicked off the 2025-26 NBA season on Tuesday with a much-anticipated doubleheader. The standout matchup featured the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder welcoming the Houston Rockets at 7:30 PM ET, followed by a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at 10 PM ET, broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
As the Thunder celebrate their first-ever NBA Championship banner, the spotlight will be on star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who returns as the league’s last season MVP. With his impressive playmaking ability, as evidenced by his average of 5.3 assists per game during the preseason, Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to lead the Thunder against a revamped Rockets team.
The Rockets, now boasting former Thunder star Kevin Durant, will be eager to make a strong impression on Opening Night. Durant’s debut with Houston adds excitement to the game, particularly as the Rockets look to compete effectively. Houston’s starting lineup will include Durant, alongside Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, and Steven Adams.
However, both teams will face challenges as key players are sidelined due to injuries. The Thunder will miss their rookie big man Thomas Sorber for the entire season due to an ACL injury, and veteran swingman Kenrich Williams is still recovering from knee surgery. Notably, All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams will not be available for the season opener while he continues to recover from wrist surgery. Rookie point guard Nikola Topic will also be absent until mid-November following a surgical procedure.
Despite these setbacks, the Thunder anticipates a successful season opener. Players like Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso are expected to step up in their roles. Mitchell is particularly eager to establish himself as a reliable backup ball-handler after overcoming a turf toe injury last season. Additionally, Chet Holmgren prepares to take on a larger role with Jalen Williams out, and the Thunder expect Wiggins to enhance his scoring contributions in the absence of Williams.
On the Houston side, injuries have also led to significant challenges. Fred VanVleet will miss the entire season, alongside Dorian Finney-Smith and Jae’Sean Tate. Replacement strategies and rotation adjustments will be critical for both teams as they navigate early season dynamics.
As the NBA opens its new season, fans can take advantage of the league’s ‘Tap to Watch’ initiative, which provides access to live national and local games across various broadcasting partners. This initiative reflects the NBA’s aim to engage more viewers and provide easier access to game content, enhancing the overall fan experience.
The starting matchups promise excitement as the Oklahoma City Thunder defend their championship title and challenge the Houston Rockets in a spotlight game. Looking ahead, both teams will strive to overcome their early injuries while setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating NBA season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams are playing in the NBA season opener?
The NBA season opener features the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Houston Rockets, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers facing the Golden State Warriors.
Who are the key players to watch in the Thunder vs. Rockets game?
Key players include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder and Kevin Durant for the Rockets. Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP, while Durant is making his debut with Houston.
What injuries will affect the Thunder and Rockets in this game?
The Thunder will be without rookie Thomas Sorber and All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams due to injuries. The Rockets are missing Fred VanVleet, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jae’Sean Tate for the entire season due to injury.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Thunder Playmaking Leap
- NBA.com: Thunder Release Options
- News On 6: Thunder Banner Night Injury Report
- Houston Chronicle: Rockets Starting Lineup
- Covers: Rockets vs. Thunder Predictions
- Wikipedia: National Basketball Association
- Google Search: Oklahoma City Thunder
- Google Scholar: NBA Injuries 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NBA
- Google News: NBA Opening Night 2025
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