For the second consecutive season, the Oklahoma City Thunder will play on the NBA's opening night. In the end, the Thunder won 125-124, kicking off a historic 24-1 start to the season with a narrow victory. While Mark Daigneault's team didn't repeat as champions in 2026, Oklahoma City will still play on opening night to help usher in the 2026-27 NBA season. The 2026-27 NBA season tips off Tuesday, October 20. NBA Schedule Release presented by… pic.twitter.com/xm6FmyJjyK — NBA (@NBA) August 11, 2026The NBA also announced that the Thunder will meet the Denver Nuggets at 8:30 p.m. CT on Thursday, Oct. 22, and the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7 p.m. CT on Christmas Day, both airing on ESPN.