The defending NBA champion Thunder start their season at home against the Kevin Durant-led Rockets.
Houston traded for and signed Durant to a two-year, $120 million deal ahead of the 2025 season in the hopes of competing directly with Oklahoma City in the Western Conference. The Rockets finished No. 2 in the West with a 52-30 record, while the Thunder had a 68-14 record this past season.
The Thunder, meanwhile, kept their core championship players for this season. OKC signed reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, to long-term deals to keep them around for a while. That trio averaged 69.3 points per game this past season and powered the Thunder to a title.
The Rockets look a bit different after sending a haul for Durant but still sport an imposing lineup that also includes Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams. They'll be without point guard Fred VanVleet, though, after he suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Here's what you need to know about the NBA matchup between Thunder and Rockets, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Thunder vs. Rockets on today?
Fans can watch Thunder vs. Rockets on NBC or stream the game on Peacock. Fubo is also available for fans to stream live.
Thunder vs. Rockets start time
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 p.m. PT
Thunder vs. Rockets will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The game will be played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Thunder vs. Rockets radio station
- Radio channel: SiriusXM channel 81 (Rockets broadcast), channel 86 (Thunder broadcast)
Fans can listen to Thunder vs. Rockets on SiriusXM via channel 81 (Rockets broadcast) and channel 86 (Thunder broadcast).
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Thunder 2025 schedule
Here are the next five games for the Thunder.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV/Live |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 23 | at Pacers | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
| Oct. 25 | at Hawks | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Oct. 27 | at Mavericks | 8:30 p.m. | TBD |
| Oct. 28 | vs. Kings | 8 p.m. | TBD |
| Oct. 30 | vs. Wizards | 8 p.m. | MNMT |
Rockets 2025 schedule
Here are the next five games for the Rockets
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV/Live |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 24 | vs. Pistons | 8 p.m. | TBD |
| Oct. 27 | vs. Nets | 8 p.m. | TBD |
| Oct. 29 | at Raptors | 7:30 p.m. | TBD |
| Nov. 1 | at Celtics | 8 p.m. | TBD |
| Nov. 3 | vs. Mavericks | 8 p.m. | TBD |
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- Latest NBA news and rumors
- Full 2025-26 NBA schedule and scores
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