Phoenix: Kevin Durant Set for Emotional Return as Rockets Face Suns in November Clash

The NBA has released most of its 2025-26 regular season schedule, featuring blockbuster return games and key matchups across the league.

Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Homecoming

On November 24, Kevin Durant will make his first trip back to Phoenix as a member of the Houston Rockets. Phoenix traded Durant to Houston in June, and his return will air on NBC.

Anthony Davis Back in Los Angeles

Just four days later, on November 28, Anthony Davis will face the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time since being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in the stunning Luka Dončić swap. This matchup, part of the NBA Cup group stage, will stream on Amazon Prime.

Full 80-Game Reveal for Each Team

With Thursday’s announcement, all 30 teams now know 80 of their 82 regular season games, with opening-week matchups, holiday games, and NBA Cup schedules already confirmed earlier in the week.

Broadcast Partnerships in Action

The season will showcase the NBA’s new 11-year broadcast deal with NBC/Comcast and Amazon, alongside ESPN/ABC, which will continue to air the NBA Finals.

Thunder’s Championship Defense Highlighted

The Oklahoma City Thunder, last season’s champions, will open on October 21 against Houston in OKC, where Durant will receive his championship ring. Other big games include meetings with the Minnesota Timberwolves (Nov. 26, Dec. 19, Jan. 29, Mar. 15) and four high-profile clashes with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets starting in February.

Late-Season MVP Showdowns

Potential MVP battles will intensify late in the season, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Jokic, as well as Lakers vs. Thunder games on April 2 and April 7.

Eastern Conference Heavyweights Collide

The Thunder will also face Cleveland (Jan. 19, Feb. 22) and New York (Mar. 4, Mar. 29) late in the season. Meanwhile, the Knicks and Cavaliers meet Oct. 22, Dec. 25, and Feb. 24.

Star Returns to Former Teams

Several players will face emotional homecomings, including:

• Myles Turner back to Indiana (Nov. 3) with the Milwaukee Bucks.

• Brook Lopez visiting Milwaukee (Mar. 29) with the LA Clippers.

• Desmond Bane returning to Memphis (Jan. 18) with the Orlando Magic.

Celtics to Welcome Back Championship Pieces

The Boston Celtics will host Jrue Holiday and the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 26, followed by Kristaps Porzingis and the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 28 — both key contributors to their 2023-24 title run.