The NBA 2025–26 season promises to be an exciting chapter in the history of basketball. With fresh broadcasting partnerships, superstar lineups, and thrilling matchups, fans across the world are gearing up for a season full of action. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the season start date and historical trends to where you can watch games in India, key storylines, and the most anticipated matchups.

When Does the NBA 2025–26 Season Start?

The 2025–26 NBA regular season officially starts on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The season kicks off with a highly anticipated doubleheader:

Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 PM ET
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 PM ET

These games are broadcast on NBC and streamed live on Peacock, ensuring fans have multiple ways to enjoy opening night. The start of the season marks the beginning of a competitive journey that will span over six months, leading up to the NBA Playoffs and Finals.

Historical Start Dates of the NBA Season

Traditionally, the NBA regular season has begun in mid-to-late October. Over the past few decades:

The 1980s and 1990s saw the season typically starting around late October.
During special circumstances, such as lockouts or the global pandemic in 2020, the season start was delayed, sometimes beginning in December or January.
However, October remains the most consistent month for the league’s tip-off, providing fans with a reliable start to the basketball calendar.

Understanding historical start dates is helpful for fans planning to follow their favorite teams and players throughout the season.

Has any team ever come back from a 3–0 deficit in the NBA?

A 3–0 series comeback is one of the most challenging feats in NBA history. Surprisingly, no team has ever overcome a 3–0 deficit to win a playoff series. While some teams have forced a Game 7 after trailing 3–0, they ultimately fell short.

For example:

In the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics forced a Game 7 after trailing 3–0 but did not win the series.
Teams facing a 3–0 deficit face immense psychological and strategic pressure, making such comebacks almost impossible at the professional level.

This statistic continues to intrigue fans, and every season brings a new opportunity for a historic attempt.

Where to Watch the NBA in India

Basketball has a growing fan base in India, and several platforms make it possible for enthusiasts to catch every game:

NBA League Pass: Offers live and on-demand access to all games, including out-of-market matchups.
Amazon Prime Video: Broadcasts select games and special tournaments, including the Emirates NBA Cup.
Peacock: Provides live streaming for many games, accessible through subscription.
Local Sports Networks: Some regional channels in India carry live NBA games, ensuring fans can watch their favorite teams.

Due to time zone differences, live games often air in the early morning hours in India, making streaming platforms a convenient option for international viewers.

Key Storylines of the 2025–26 NBA Season

The upcoming NBA season comes with multiple storylines that fans should watch closely:

1. Broadcast and Streaming Innovations

The NBA has entered new broadcasting partnerships beyond traditional networks. Fans now have options like NBC, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video, providing broader access and more flexibility in how they watch games.

2. Superstar Teams and Lineups

Houston Rockets: Under coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets are starting the season with a tall, defensive-focused lineup including Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün, and Steven Adams.
Golden State Warriors: Featuring Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors aim to dominate early-season matchups.
Los Angeles Lakers: With LeBron James sidelined for certain games, the Lakers will test their depth and emerging talent.

These rosters highlight the blend of veteran leadership and rising stars in the league.

3. Rising Stars and Rookie Prospects

The 2025–26 season introduces promising rookies like Cooper Flagg, the number one overall draft pick by the Dallas Mavericks. Fans should watch these young athletes, as they may redefine the future of the NBA.

4. Arena and Uniform Updates

Philadelphia 76ers: Renamed their home arena to Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Phoenix Suns: Now play at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Orlando Magic: Introduced new uniforms inspired by the 1989–2000 design.
Los Angeles Lakers: Released a purple Statement Edition uniform with gold accents.

These updates add a fresh visual appeal to the league while honoring team histories.

Important Dates to Remember

NBA Cup: October 31 – December 16, 2025
Christmas Day Games: December 25, 2025
NBA All-Star Game: February 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
Play-In Tournament: April 14–17, 2026
NBA Playoffs: April 18 – May 2026
NBA Finals: June 4–21, 2026

These key dates provide fans with a roadmap of when to watch the most exciting events of the season.

Top Teams to Watch

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics: Strong defense and veteran leadership make them a perennial contender.
Miami Heat: Known for fast-paced gameplay and aggressive three-point shooting.
Philadelphia 76ers: With new arena branding and strong big men, they remain a threat in the East.

Western Conference

Golden State Warriors: Steph Curry continues to lead an elite offensive squad.
Los Angeles Lakers: With a mix of veterans and emerging talent, they are always in the championship conversation.
Denver Nuggets: Defending champions looking to repeat their success with a well-rounded roster.

Notable Players to Follow

Kevin Durant (Rockets): Continues to be one of the most versatile scorers in the league.
Stephen Curry (Warriors): Revolutionizing long-distance shooting for a new generation.
LeBron James (Lakers): Even in the latter stage of his career, remains a pivotal figure.
Cooper Flagg (Mavericks): Rookie to watch as a potential future superstar.
Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets): Emerging as a dominant forward in both offense and defense.

Tracking these players adds excitement to every game, whether in person or via streaming.

Strategic Insights for Fans

Understanding team strategies and player tendencies can enhance viewing enjoyment:

Teams with tall starting lineups often focus on defense and rim protection.
Small-ball lineups favor speed, perimeter shooting, and fast breaks.
Keeping an eye on rookie rotations can reveal emerging stars early in the season.

Analyzing these elements helps fans predict game outcomes and appreciate coaching strategies.

Where to Watch Highlights and Analysis

For fans who cannot watch live games, there are plenty of options:

NBA YouTube Channel: Highlights, interviews, and game recaps.
Sports News Websites: ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Times of India provide analysis.
Social Media: Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok feature real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Engaging with highlights and expert commentary allows fans to stay connected even if they miss live broadcasts.

NBA Trivia and Records

The longest winning streak in NBA history is 33 games, held by the 1971–72 Lakers.
No team has ever overcome a 3–0 series deficit in the playoffs.
Stephen Curry holds the record for most three-pointers made in a single season.

Sharing trivia like this keeps fans engaged and adds depth to the viewing experience.

Fan Tips for the 2025–26 Season

Plan Around Key Dates: Mark Christmas games, All-Star Weekend, and playoff windows.
Streaming Subscriptions: Consider NBA League Pass or Amazon Prime Video for comprehensive coverage.
Follow Social Media: Real-time updates can provide insider news and game alerts.
Attend Local Viewings: NBA bars and fan meetups enhance the communal experience.

These tips ensure fans get the most enjoyment from the season.

Conclusion

The NBA 2025–26 season is shaping up to be a spectacular event. With its October 21 start, new broadcasting partnerships, rising rookies, and legendary players, fans around the world—including India—can expect thrilling basketball action. From historic matchups to record-breaking moments, this season has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, staying informed about schedules, teams, and player performances will maximize your enjoyment of the league. So grab your snacks, tune into your favorite platform, and get ready for a season of unforgettable NBA moments.

NBA 2025–26 Season FAQ: Tickets, Schedule, and Viewing Guide

The NBA 2025–26 season is fast approaching, and fans are eager to know key dates, ticketing options, and viewing platforms. This FAQ guide answers all major questions about the NBA season, including preseason, regular season, and international viewing options.

1. When Does the NBA Season Start and End?

2025–26 Regular Season Start: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Regular Season End: Sunday, April 12, 2026
NBA Playoffs: April 19 – May 2026
NBA Finals: June 4 – 21, 2026

The NBA season spans over seven to eight months, including regular-season games, the Play-In tournament, and playoffs. (NBA Official)

2. When Does the NBA Season Start in 2026?

The 2026–27 NBA season is expected to follow historical trends and likely start in mid-to-late October 2026. Exact dates will be confirmed by the NBA later in 2025.

3. What is the NBA Regular Season?

The NBA regular season is the core portion of the NBA calendar where all 30 teams play 82 games each (41 home, 41 away). It determines:

Playoff seeding for the top 8 teams in each conference
Eligibility for the Play-In Tournament
Statistical leaders for awards such as MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year

The regular season is the most critical part for teams to build momentum toward the playoffs.

4. NBA Season Schedule 2025–26

Opening Night: October 21, 2025
NBA Cup/In-Season Competition runs from October 31 to December 16, 2025
Christmas Day Games: December 25, 2025
NBA All-Star Game: February 15, 2026
Play-In Tournament: April 14–17, 2026
NBA Playoffs: April 19 – May 2026
NBA Finals: June 4–21, 2026

The schedule also includes preseason games in late September and early October for preparation. (Basket-Mag)

5. When Does NBA Preseason Start?

The 2025 NBA preseason started in early October 2025, a few weeks before the regular season. Preseason games allow teams to:

Evaluate rookies and new signings
Test strategies and rotations
Adjust player workloads before the grueling 82-game season

Preseason games often include international exhibitions, with select games played in countries like Australia, China, and Canada.

6. NBA Tickets: How to Get Them

Fans can buy tickets for NBA games through several official channels:

NBA Official Website: Offers direct links to team ticket portals
Team Websites: Each team sells home game tickets
Authorized Ticket Sellers: Ticketmaster, StubHub, and SeatGeek

Tips for purchasing tickets:

Buy early for high-demand games
Check for mobile or digital ticket options
Compare prices across authorized sellers

7. How to Watch NBA in India

For Indian fans, there are multiple options to watch live games:

NBA League Pass: Complete live and on-demand access to all games
Amazon Prime Video: Broadcasts select games, including Emirates NBA Cup
Peacock: Streams Monday doubleheaders and selected NBA games
ESPN / Disney+ Hotstar: Carries select matchups

Due to time zone differences, some games air early morning in India, making streaming platforms ideal.

8. Commonly Asked NBA 2025–26 Questions

Q1: How many games are in the NBA regular season?

A1: Each NBA team plays 82 games: 41 home and 41 away.

Q2: What is the NBA Play-In Tournament?

A2: The Play-In Tournament determines the final playoff spots for the 7th–10th seeds in each conference. It occurs in mid-April after the regular season.

Q3: When is the NBA All-Star Game?

A3: February 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California.

Q4: How can I buy tickets for opening night games?

A4: Tickets are available on NBA.com, team websites, and authorized platforms like Ticketmaster.

Q5: Will there be international games during 2025–26?

A5: Yes, preseason and select regular-season games are often held internationally to promote the league globally.

9. NBA 2025–26 Key Highlights to Watch

Opening Night Doubleheader: Rockets vs. Thunder and Warriors vs. Lakers
NBA Cup Matches: October 31 – December 16, 2025
Christmas Day Matchups: High-profile games between elite teams
Rising Rookies: Players like Cooper Flagg may impact Rookie of the Year race

10. Tips for Following the NBA Season

Track key dates: Use the NBA schedule to plan viewing
Use streaming platforms: NBA League Pass or Amazon Prime Video for comprehensive access
Follow social media: Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok provide real-time highlights
Join fan communities: Online forums and groups enhance engagement