Tue Oct 21 08:50:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

After a 20-year absence, the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock tomorrow, October 20th, with a doubleheader. The first game features reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosting Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets, marking Durant’s debut against his former team. Halftime will include a preview of Mike Tirico’s interview with Michael Jordan. The second game pits Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors against Luka Dončić’s Los Angeles Lakers (LeBron James is out due to injury). NBA Showtime will precede each game. The following week will feature Monday and Tuesday night doubleheaders on Peacock and NBC, plus a Mexico City game on Peacock featuring top draft pick Cooper Flagg.

News Article:

NBA Returns to NBC and Peacock with Star-Studded Doubleheader

STAMFORD, Conn. – After a two-decade hiatus, the NBA makes its triumphant return to NBC and its debut on Peacock tomorrow, October 20th, with a highly anticipated doubleheader.

The American Express NBA Tip-Off kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, hosting the Houston Rockets. The game is particularly noteworthy as it marks Kevin Durant’s Rockets debut, facing the very team where he spent the first nine seasons of his decorated career. Pregame coverage, NBA Showtime, begins at 6:30 p.m. ET, featuring analysis from Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady.

Halftime will offer viewers a glimpse into MJ: Insights to Excellence, a series featuring Mike Tirico’s exclusive interview with basketball legend Michael Jordan.

Following the Thunder-Rockets matchup, the action moves to Los Angeles at 10:00 p.m. ET, where Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors will face Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers. Unfortunately, LeBron James will miss the game due to injury.

The broadcast teams for the games are: Rockets-Thunder: Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford, and Zora Stephenson; Warriors-Lakers: Noah Eagle, Grant Hill, and Ashley ShahAhmadi.

The NBA action continues next week with a double-header on Peacock on Monday night and then Tuesday night games on Peacock and NBC, ending the week with the Mavericks and Pistons in Mexico City for a Saturday night match-up.

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