NBA Season 2025-26 Opener: Thunder Host Rockets in High-Stakes Debut
NBA season- Photo credit ESPN
The NBA 2025-26 season tips off tonight as the Oklahoma City Thunder open their title-defense campaign at home against the Houston Rockets. With the Thunder set to receive their championship rings, the game is more than just the first on the calendar it’s a statement about the next chapter of the league.
For the Thunder, it’s time to show the world they’re not just champions by chance. For the Rockets, the match marks the debut of a bold new starting five and a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the Western Conference.
Coach Ime Udoka has announced a starting five that emphasizes size and versatility:
Amen Thompson (PG)
Kevin Durant (SG)
Jabari Smith Jr. (SF)
Alperen Şengün (PF)
Steven Adams (C)
This unit ranks among the tallest starting lineups in NBA history, designed in part to counter the Thunder’s twin-big front-court. With Durant sliding into guard role, the Rockets aim to disrupt conventions and execute a hybrid front-court-heavy system. Despite missing veteran guard Fred VanVleet (ACL) and forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), Houston appears confident in its depth and new direction.
The Thunder enter the season as NBA champions for the first time in franchise history, after overcoming a 17-year rebuild. With young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams leading the charge, OKC have few hats to wear but still carry the weight of expectations.
Heading into tonight’s opener, though, they’ll be without several key contributors. Injuries to Williams, rookie big man Thomas Sorber (ACL) and guard Nikola Topic have raised questions about their immediate depth.
This matchup isn’t just about star power, it’s about contrasting basketball ideologies. The Thunder’s winning formula last year married length, youth, and defense. Tonight, they face a Rockets team built for disruption: ultra-tall lineups, offense anchored by Durant, and a willingness to innovate.
Expect fast transitions, physicality in the paint, and strategic battles at both ends. The Rockets arrive as bold challengers, re-imagining what a roster can look like in 2026. This isn’t a regular season start, it’s the first act of the next NBA era.
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