Key Highlights
- The NBA tips off with a highly anticipated matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers on NBC and Peacock.
- LeBron James will miss the opening game due to back injury, while Luka Doncic is expected to lead the Lakers despite his recent weight gain.
- The Warriors have strengthened their roster with key free-agent signings, aiming for a strong start in the Western Conference.
- MVP odds suggest Luka Doncic remains one of the top contenders for the award in 2025-26 season.
The NBA Returns: A Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Double-Header
On Tuesday, October 21, the National Basketball Association (NBA) makes its triumphant return with a historic double-header on NBC and Peacock. The evening kicks off at 6:30 PM ET with the matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets. Following this, the spotlight shifts to the California showdown as the Golden State Warriors face off against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Key Players and Teams
The Warriors enter the season with a veteran lineup bolstered by recent signings such as Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton. After dealing with the pressure of losing in last year’s playoffs, the team is looking to make a statement early on. Notably, Jonathan Kuminga signed a two-year extension at the end of September, adding stability to the roster.
On the other side, the Lakers are without LeBron James for the opening game due to a back injury that will keep him out for the initial weeks.
Luka Doncic, however, is expected to lead the team despite his recent weight gain. The Mavericks reportedly weighed in on Doncic at 244 pounds, which is 14 pounds heavier than what the Lakers reported.
Expert Analysis and Odds
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Luka Doncic leads as one of the top MVP contenders for the upcoming season with third-highest odds at +380. This places him behind only Nikola Jokic (+220) and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+275). Despite James missing the game, his presence is still felt in the league as he has the 18th-highest MVP odds at +15000.
Both teams are looking to bounce back after losing in their respective playoff rounds. The Warriors were eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Lakers lost in the first round to the same opponent.
Premier Broadcast and Viewing Options
NBC and Peacock will provide live coverage of both games. Fans can watch the Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma Thunder game at 7:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, followed by the Warriors vs Lakers match at 10:00 PM ET. Peacock offers a convenient “Tap to Watch” feature that allows viewers to seamlessly switch between channels based on their location.
For those interested in staying updated with NBA coverage throughout the season, NBC Sports will stream up to three Monday night games each week and present doubleheaders on Tuesday nights across NBC and Peacock. The network also plans to launch Sunday Night Basketball starting February 1, 2026.
The full schedule for the first month of NBA games can be found here, highlighting key matchups including Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks among others.
