Five must-watch games during NBA's opening week

On Thursday, the NBA released the 2025-26 schedule for all 30 teams. Fans have already begun circling key stretches, including rivalry games, make-or-break runs, and of course, All-Star matchups. 

The beauty of the NBA is that there can be a marquee matchup every night of the week. Superstars are going head-to-head on a Monday just as frequently as on a Friday or Saturday. 

The league has ensured there are some enthralling games to begin the new season. Here are the top five in the NBA's opening week.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks | Wednesday, Oct. 22

In what could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers and Knicks will do battle in the Big Apple on the second night of the 2025-26 campaign. Cleveland will likely be without Darius Garland, though, who underwent surgery on his toe earlier this summer.

Nevertheless, there's enough talent to make it a can't-miss matchup, especially as both teams look to secure an early advantage. 

4. Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves | Monday, Oct. 27

Both the Nuggets and Timberwolves enter the season believing they're capable of challenging for the top seed of the Western Conference. An early-season game between Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards will undoubtedly provide some high-level entertainment. 

This matchup falls into the "league pass" category, as neither team is a "big market" franchise. Still, they both play some solid basketball, and that's what matters.

3. Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers | Tuesday, Oct. 21

Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler vs. LeBron James and Luka Doncic — it doesn't get much more prime-time than this. The Warriors and Lakers play differing styles of basketball and have some of the biggest names in the league to call upon.

Expect a fun, fast-paced game with both teams looking to prove their championship credentials straight out of the gate. Also, with Curry, James, Butler and Draymond Green all in the last stages of their careers, it's unknown how many of these matchups are left between the future Hall of Famers.

2. Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns | Friday, Oct. 24

The Clippers are consistently overlooked as a contender. However, with Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Bradley Beal and Chris Paul in the rotation, head coach Ty Lue's team will again be a contender in the West in 2025.

A matchup against Devin Booker and the new-look Suns will be an intriguing way to gauge both teams heading into the new season. Moreover, it will be compelling to see how the aging Clippers deal with the youthfulness of the Suns, especially when dealing with guard Jalen Green's athleticism. 

1. Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder | Tuesday, Oct. 21

Championship favorites vs. reigning champion. Kevin Durant's addition to the Rockets this summer instantly catapulted head coach Ime Udoka's roster toward the top of the Western Conference. The Thunder, meanwhile, will be adjusting to life as reigning champions and the pressure that comes with it. 

We're in for a great game in what could be a Western Conference Finals preview.