The major storyline is Luka Dončić guiding the Lakers to a dominant win over a top-tier foe in the Western Conference, dispatching Minnesota by a final margin of 128-110. However, the Slovenian’s individual excellence is to be marveled at:

DETROIT – Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! will air on Cozi TV on Tuesday as live NBA coverage returns to NBC. Through NBC’s new deal with the NBA, WDIV Local 4 will air the first two games of the regular season Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. An NBA pregame show will air from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

For the first time since 2002, NBA basketball will air on NBC. If you were a ’90s kid, John Tesh’s iconic “Roundball Rock ” was the soundtrack of your basketball-watching experience, the perfect melodic intro that remains synonymous with hoops.

These teams have played three overtime games over their last 11 matchups. Nikola Jokić had one of the best performances in NBA history in their last game, becoming the first player ever with a 30-20-20 game. He finished that overtime win with 31 points, 21 rebounds and 22 assists.

Here's how to watch 2025-26 NBA games online without cable, including ways to livestream basketball for free this season.

DIRECTV is our top pick for watching basketball live for free — its five-day free trial includes NBC (plus every other channel you’ll need for the NBA season including local channels). When the trial is over, you’ll pay as low as $49.99/month and gain access to over 90 live channels.