Two of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference will face off when the Cavs match up with the Knicks. Neither team made major changes this offseason, sticking with core groups that led them to the Eastern Conference Semifinals and Finals, respectively, last season (both teams were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers).

The NBA announced 17 matchups for the 2025-26 regular season Tuesday, including two on opening night, five on Christmas and four on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

NBC’s return to the NBA broadcast world officially starts with opening night on Oct. 21, when the Thunder (favored by 6.5 points) will receive their championship rings before playing host to Durant and the Rockets in the first game of the season.