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Thunder Raise Banner as Rockets Welcome Durant in Opener

10/22/2025

Summary

Thunder Host Rockets

The 2025-26 NBA season begins Tuesday when the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Houston Rockets as the Thunder raise their banner after a franchise-best 68-14 season.
The Houston Rockets added Kevin Durant and aim to integrate him into their lineup after a strong 52-30 season.
Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dorian Finney-Smith of the Houston Rockets will miss the opener due to injuries.

Summary

Thunder Defend Championship

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to defend their 2025-26 NBA championship, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, according to NBA GMs.
The season opener features the Thunder against the Houston Rockets.
Other key matchups include the Cleveland Cavaliers facing the New York Knicks.
The Indiana Pacers, missing Tyrese Haliburton due to injury, are expected to struggle but stay competitive.
The season promises matchups and surprises across the league.

History

Historical Context

The NBA merged with the ABA in 1976, incorporating four ABA teams and expanding to 22 franchises. This merger enhanced competition and visibility, paving the way for future stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder's recent success, including a franchise-best 68-14 season, highlights the league's evolution and ongoing strategies to attract fans and improve team performance.

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Thunder Host Rockets

The 2025-26 NBA season begins Tuesday when the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Houston Rockets as the Thunder raise their banner after a franchise-best 68-14 season.
The Houston Rockets added Kevin Durant and aim to integrate him into their lineup after a strong 52-30 season.
Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dorian Finney-Smith of the Houston Rockets will miss the opener due to injuries.

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