Key Highlights
- NBA returns to NBC after 20 years and debuts on Peacock with a star-studded tip-off doubleheader.
- Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Oklahoma City Thunder against Kevin Durant in his Rockets debut.
- Traffic Jam: Two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry faces Luka Doncic and LeBron James’ absence from the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, and Jamal Crawford provide play-by-play and analysis for both games.
NBA’s Return to NBC: A Star-Studded Doubleheader
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is making history this Tuesday, October 21, by returning to NBC after a two-decade absence. The first game of the tip-off doubleheader features reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. This match-up promises to be an exciting spectacle, given the combined talent on both sides.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Reigning Season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has had a remarkable season, winning his first NBA MVP award and leading the Thunder to their first championship in Oklahoma City. His performance this year is unparalleled; he joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal as one of only four players in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, and a scoring title in the same season. Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership and skill will be crucial for the Thunder against Durant.
Durant’s Rockets Debut
Kevin Durant is making his debut with the Houston Rockets after being traded from the Phoenix Suns earlier this year. Durant spent nine seasons with the Thunder, during which he made seven All-Star teams and won four scoring titles, including the 2014 MVP award. His presence in Oklahoma City for a game against his former team adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Curry vs. Doncic: A Battle of Generations
In the second game, two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors will face off against Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Curry is entering his 17th season with the Warriors and has won four NBA titles with the franchise. Doncic, on the other hand, enters his first full season with the Lakers after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks.
Expert Analysis and Coverage
NBC Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of both games, starting with pregame shows called NBA Showtime at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The pre- and post-game show will be sponsored by State Farm, with American Express at the Half serving as the halftime show for both games.
The lineup of analysts for these matches includes Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Reggie Miller (analyst), three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (sideline reporter).
Implications for Future Coverage
This tip-off game marks the beginning of an exciting new era for NBC Sports, as they return to broadcast the NBA after a 20-year hiatus. The next week’s schedule showcases more thrilling matchups and highlights upcoming games in the season.
NBC Sports’ coverage will include “On the Bench” on Peacock, featuring Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons. Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets will face Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves at 9:30 p.m.
ET.
The 2025 NBA Mexico City Game, NBC Sports’ only Saturday night regular season game, will feature No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks facing Cade Cunningham and the Pistons from Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Saturday, November 1, at 10 p.m. ET.
With these exciting matches and expert analysis, fans can expect an engaging start to the NBA season as they return to NBC for live coverage.
