Next Basketball Game: Date, Time & Matchup Info

By Sarah Miller · December 5, 2026

The next NBA basketball game will be on October 22, 2025, when the Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This highly anticipated season opener is part of the official 2025-2026 NBA regular season schedule released by the league.

When Is the Next Basketball Game? Key Details

Basketball fans can expect a thrilling start to the 2025-2026 NBA season with marquee matchups right from opening night. The first official game is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 2025, featuring the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Denver Nuggets. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM Mountain Time (9:00 PM Eastern Time).

Why This Game Matters

This marks the first regular-season meeting between LeBron James Jr. and Nikola Jokić since their playoff clash in 2024.
The Lakers and Nuggets are projected top contenders in the Western Conference.
Opening night sets the tone for early-season momentum and media attention.
ESPN will broadcast the game live as part of its national coverage package.

NBA 2025-2026 Opening Week Schedule

The NBA typically schedules multiple games during the opening week to maximize viewership and fan engagement. Below is a snapshot of key early-season matchups.

Date	Matchup	Location	Time (ET)	Broadcast
Oct 22, 2025	Lakers vs. Nuggets	Ball Arena, Denver	9:00 PM	ESPN
Oct 23, 2025	Celtics vs. Knicks	Madison Square Garden, NYC	7:30 PM	TNT
Oct 24, 2025	Warriors vs. Suns	Chase Center, San Francisco	10:00 PM	ESPN
Oct 25, 2025	Bucks vs. 76ers	Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee	8:00 PM	ABC
Oct 26, 2025	Mavericks vs. Thunder	Paycom Center, Oklahoma City	8:00 PM	NBA TV

Table data source:NBA Official Schedule, ESPN NBA Coverage

The data shows that the NBA prioritizes high-profile teams and rivalries during the opening week to boost ratings and fan interest. Games are strategically spread across networks like ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV to maximize national exposure. Denver and Los Angeles lead the opening night due to star power and recent playoff history.

How to Stay Updated on Game Schedules

With frequent changes due to injuries, travel, and broadcasting adjustments, staying informed is crucial for fans.

Recommended Tools and Platforms

NBA App: Push notifications for upcoming games, scores, and lineup changes.
Google Calendar Integration: Sync your favorite team’s schedule automatically.
Team Websites: Official pages like lakers.com provide real-time updates.
Sports News Alerts: Subscribe to newsletters from ESPN, Bleacher Report, or The Athletic.

International and College Basketball Updates

While the NBA dominates headlines, other leagues also have active calendars:

NCAA Men’s Basketball: Season begins November 4, 2025, with early tournaments like the Champions Classic.
FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: Regional matches run biannually; next window is February 2026.
EuroLeague: Regular season started October 2, 2025, with weekly fixtures across Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Next Basketball Game

When is the next NBA game in 2025?

The next NBA game is on October 22, 2025, featuring the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Tip-off is at 9:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.

How can I find my favorite team's basketball schedule?

Visit the official NBA team website or download the NBA app. You can also check Google Sports by searching "[team name] schedule" to see real-time updates and game times.

Are there any basketball games this weekend?

As of now, no NBA games are scheduled for this weekend. The next games begin October 22, 2025. However, EuroLeague and college exhibitions may have ongoing matches.

What time does the Lakers game start?

The Lakers' next game starts at 7:00 PM Mountain Time (9:00 PM Eastern Time) on October 22, 2025, when they play the Denver Nuggets in Denver.

Will the next basketball game be televised?

Yes, the Lakers vs. Nuggets game on October 22, 2025, will be televised nationally on ESPN. International viewers can stream it via NBA League Pass or local sports networks.

Conclusion

The next official basketball game is the Lakers vs. Nuggets matchup on October 22, 2025, marking the start of the NBA season. With elite talent, competitive stakes, and national broadcasting, it’s a must-watch event. Fans should use reliable tools like the NBA app or official team sites to stay updated on future games, times, and viewing options.