The NBA has unveiled its 2025-26 schedule, and while there are no surprises about who will dominate national broadcasts, the confirmation excites fans: LeBron James and Stephen Curry continue to be the league’s top stars. The Lakers and Warriors are among the four teams with the most nationally televised games – 34 in total – alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks.
The new broadcast rights deal brought significant changes. TNT and NBA TV are out, replaced by NBC, Peacock, and Amazon Prime, while ESPN and ABC will maintain their presence. This ensures that marquee matchups featuring LeBron and Curry remain front and center throughout the season.
Can’t-miss games of the 2025-26 NBA season
In addition to the list of televised games, the schedule release revealed exciting details: holiday matchups, Rivalry Week, and the dates for the highly anticipated returns of stars who changed teams. Kevin Durant, Michael Porter Jr., Bradley Beal, Myles Turner, and Desmond Bane will have their “revenge” games circled in red.
The league also confirmed that the trade deadline will be Thursday, February 5 at 3:00 p.m. ET, with eight games scheduled that day. This has sparked debate over whether it should become an “NBA holiday” to prevent players and coaches from having to compete amid market moves. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has publicly supported the idea.
The big challenge for the 76ers
One of the most striking data points is the high number of back-to-backs (games on consecutive nights). The Philadelphia 76ers, along with the Nuggets, Suns, Wizards, and Hornets, lead the league with 16 such series – accounting for 39% of their schedule.
For a team with recurring physical issues, like Joel Embiid and Paul George, this schedule poses a major challenge. Embiid is unlikely to play in back-to-back games, which could impact the team’s performance in an Eastern Conference that looks more open than in previous seasons.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry’s enduring legacy
At their age and with careers bound for the Hall of Fame, LeBron James and Stephen Curry remain global ambassadors of basketball. Not only do they boast multiple MVPs, but together they’ve won eight championships over the past 14 years. Their impact was evident in 2024, when they led Team USA – alongside Kevin Durant – to Olympic gold in France.
The NBA knows that as long as both are on the court, their presence will continue to draw massive audiences and elevate the spectacle. The 2025-26 schedule is proof that the league is still building its narrative around these two icons, blending history, rivalry, and excitement for a season that promises unforgettable matchups.
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