2025-26 NBA schedule: How to watch games on ESPN - ESPN

ESPN's NBA coverage returns this week for its 24th straight season. The network tips off its 2025-26 season with back-to-back nights of star-studded action on Oct. 22 and 23.

Alongside its regular slate of games, ESPN will air the NBA's first Thanksgiving eve tripleheader and continue its longstanding tradition of presenting five marquee matchups on Christmas Day — one of the biggest days of the regular season.

Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder and three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets lead the way with eight appearances apiece on ESPN this season. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks andSan Antonio Spurs each make seven appearances.

Below is a look at the NBA games on ESPN's family of networks during the 2025-26 regular season:

How can fans watch?

Fans can catch all of the action in the ESPN App and in the NBA streaming hub. Games are also available on ESPN Radio and ESPN Deportes.

What is the full schedule of games on ESPN networks?

*All times Eastern

Oct. 22, 2025

7 p.m.: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks on ESPN

9:30 p.m.: San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks on ESPN

Oct. 23, 2025

7:30 p.m.: Oklahoma City Thunder at Indiana Pacers on ESPN

10 p.m.: Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors on ESPN

Oct. 29, 2025

7 p.m.: Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics on ESPN

9:30 p.m.: Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves on ESPN

Nov. 5, 2025

7:30 p.m.: Minnesota Timberwolves at New York Knicks on ESPN

10 p.m.: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers on ESPN

Nov. 8, 2025

10:30 p.m.: Phoenix Suns at LA Clippers on ESPN

Nov. 12, 2025

7 p.m.: Orlando