Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)
October 21, 2025

NBC/Peacock’s debut carries a title-banner night in OKC and Durant’s first Rockets game—a high-theatre reunion with the franchise he helped build. The champions begin their repeat bid against a reloaded Houston fronted by a 37-year-old, newly extended Durant. Narrative hinges on ring-night emotion versus Houston’s half-court shot creation. OKC leans continuity, depth, and defensive length; Houston counters with Durant’s shot-making plus staggered units. Early rotations preview playoff identities and how both pace themselves for spring.