BREAKING NEWS: The NBA just revealed an electrifying schedule featuring two of the most anticipated player returns of the 2025-26 season. Kevin Durant is set to make his much-anticipated return to Phoenix on November 24, playing against the Houston Rockets for the first time since his shocking trade. Just days later, on November 28, Anthony Davis will return to Los Angeles as the Dallas Mavericks take on the Lakers in a crucial NBA Cup group game.
These games are pivotal not only for the players but for the teams and fans, as each franchise now knows 80 of its 82 games for the season. This schedule drop follows earlier announcements of opening week matchups and NBA Cup details, fueling excitement among basketball enthusiasts.
Durant’s return to Phoenix is particularly significant, as he was traded from the Suns to the Rockets in June. This highly-anticipated game will be broadcast live on NBC. Meanwhile, Davis’s return, following his blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic in February, will air on Amazon Prime. The Lakers and Mavericks will clash three additional times throughout the season, promising intense matchups as both teams vie for playoff positioning.
The NBA’s new broadcasting partnerships, including Amazon and NBC/Comcast, come as part of an 11-year agreement that ensures ESPN/ABC will maintain rights to the NBA Finals.
Adding to the drama, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have a slew of high-stakes games lined up, including Durant’s return for the ring ceremony on October 21. The Thunder will also face last season’s Western Conference Finals opponent, the Minnesota Timberwolves, on November 26, heightening the rivalry.
Fans can expect thrilling MVP showdowns as well, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets clashing multiple times from February onward. Key matchups include the Nuggets visiting Oklahoma City on February 27 and the Thunder traveling to Denver on April 10.
Other notable player returns include Myles Turner back in Indiana on November 3 as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks and Desmond Bane visiting Memphis on January 18 with the Orlando Magic.
The excitement peaks as the Boston Celtics prepare to welcome back former champions Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis later in January, intensifying the narrative of trades impacting team dynamics.
As the NBA season approaches, fans are buzzing about the implications of these key matchups and player dynamics. Be ready for a season filled with drama, rivalries, and unforgettable moments as these developments unfold.
