Four NBA Legends Name the 2025–26 Game They’re Most Excited to Watch

On Thursday, NBC — which is set to broadcast NBA games along with Walt Disney Company and Amazon Prime Video starting this 2025-26 season — asked its team members to pick their "most-anticipated matchup" of the upcoming campaign.

Interestingly, the team was united with their choice, picking the Thunder-Rockets game without hesitation. After all, not only will it be OKC's ring night, but the team will also be up against Kevin Durant — who was traded to Houston in the offseason and previo usly played for the Thunder at the beginning of his career.

NBA legends Reggie Miller, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady and Jamal Crawford were among the NBC members to answer the question, with Miller even saying it was an "EAAASSSYYY" choice.

"Watching one of the all time greats, 'Easy Money Sniper' Kevin Durant return to his old stomping grounds to face the Champs and the reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.. Banner being raised, rings given out, oh and the chefs kiss will be Amen Thompson vs SGA matchup," Miller further explained.

Crawford, for his part, expressed belief that both teams will be motivated to play e ach other. For the Rockets, it's an opportunity to make a statement against the reigning champions. For the Thunder, it's a chance to send a message to the rest of the league that they are the team to beat.

"Houston at OKC first game of the season!" Crawford answered before explaining, "Seriously, that game- but the reason being OKC is the defending champs, but Houston with the success they had last year, and adding KD! They would LOVE to beat them on ring night and send a message early."

Both Carter and McGrady didn't provide explanations for picking the Thunder-Rockets meeting as the most-anticipated game of the season, but their excitement was clear.

Rockets Could Be Major Threats to Thunder

Winning their season opener against the Rockets will certainly be huge for the Thunder, especially as they look to defend the title in 2025-26.

Houston is considered to be one of Oklahoma City's biggest threats in the new season. While the Thunder remain the betting favorites to win the championship (+225 per ESPN Bet), the Rockets have the fifth-best odds to win at +850.

It's also worth noting that the Thunder were 3-2 against the Rockets last season. However, the 2025-26 Houston squad is much better, with Durant in tow. The H-Town franchise also improved tremendously with the additions of Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela and Josh Okogie.