2025-26 NBA Opening Week Matchups
The release of the full 2025-26 NBA schedule has prompted a closer look at every team’s opening week, highlighting key matchups and overarching narratives for the new season. After focusing on the Eastern Conference, we now shift our attention to the Western Conference.
Dallas Mavericks
- Oct. 22 vs. Spurs (ESPN)
- Oct. 24 vs. Wizards
- Oct. 26 vs. Raptors
- Oct. 27 vs. Thunder
The Mavericks kick-off the season with a five-game homestand—the longest of the season—before heading to Mexico City to challenge the Pistons. This opener also features Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 draft pick, making his debut against previous Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. Following matches against the Wizards and Raptors, the Mavericks finish their first week with a clash against the champion Thunder.
Denver Nuggets
- Oct. 23 at Warriors (ESPN)
- Oct. 25 vs. Suns
- Oct. 27 at Timberwolves (Peacock)
Opening the season in San Francisco, the Nuggets face the Warriors, highlighting past MVPs Nikola Jokić and Stephen Curry. The Nuggets aim for revenge after the Warriors ended their nine-game winning streak. After this, the Nuggets host the Suns before traveling to Minnesota, where they seek to end a six-game losing streak against the Timberwolves.
Golden State Warriors
- Oct. 21 at Lakers (NBC/Peacock)
- Oct. 23 vs. Nuggets (ESPN)
- Oct. 24 at Blazers
- Oct. 27 vs. Grizzlies
During the Opening Night, the Warriors will face the Lakers, marking the 57th matchup between Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Following this high-stakes game, the Warriors host the Nuggets and hit the road to Portland, then return to face the Grizzlies, a team they had previously dominated.
Los Angeles Lakers
- Oct. 21 vs. Warriors (NBC/Peacock)
- Oct. 24 vs. Timberwolves (Prime Video)
- Oct. 26 at Kings
- Oct. 27 vs. Blazers
The Lakers match up with the Warriors in a star-studded Opening Night, featuring LeBron James and Jimmy Butler III. Shortly after, they welcome the Timberwolves and their home opener against the Kings, before closing the week against the Blazers, where new addition Deandre Ayton faces his former team.
Memphis Grizzlies
- Oct. 22 vs. Pelicans
- Oct. 24 vs. Heat
- Oct. 25 vs. Pacers
- Oct. 27 at Warriors
Coming off a challenging previous season, the Grizzlies start strong with a three-game homestand beginning against the Pelicans, featuring a showdown between Zion Williamson and Ja Morant. They follow with games against the Heat and Pacers before heading to San Francisco to challenge the Warriors.
San Antonio Spurs
- Oct. 22 at Mavericks (ESPN)
- Oct. 24 at Pelicans
- Oct. 26 vs. Nets
- Oct. 27 vs. Raptors
The Spurs face the Mavericks in their opener where No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg goes head-to-head with Dylan Harper, the second pick. Additionally, this game signals the much-anticipated return of Victor Wembanyama after an injury. Following this, they meet the Pelicans and host the Nets and Raptors to round out their week.
