FAQ
The new season in the NBA begins on Wednesday night. We answer the most important questions about the start of the 2025/26 season in the American Basketball League.
Which games start the NBA season?
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder deservedly receives the first tip-off, and the first game of the new basketball year begins at 2:30 a.m. German time on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday. But it’s not the only game of the opening night, at 5 a.m. the Los Angeles Lakers meet the Golden State Warriors.
Who are the favorites for the title?
The Oklahoma City Thunder marched impressively through last season, had the best record and scored more points than any team before in the NBA in a year. In the final, Isaiah Hartenstein and Co. needed a showdown in Game 7, but the title was the logical consequence of the season – and there is much to suggest that “OKC” can repeat this coup. The team has remained almost completely together and is starting the season without any injury problems.
This does not apply to many other title contenders. Finalists Indiana Pacers have to do without Tyrese Haliburton, the Boston Celtics have to do without Jayson Tatum (both torn Achilles tendons), the Dallas Mavericks have to do without Kyrie Irving (knee injury) in the long term and the Los Angeles Lakers have to do without LeBron James (back) for the time being. In addition to these troubled teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers have a lot of potential.
The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate winning the NBA Finals
Which teams could surprise?
The loss of Victor Wembanyama was very noticeable for the San Antonio Spurs for a large part of the season, but in the preseason the Frenchman was able to show again what extraordinary skills he has. In preparation, Spurs won all five games and showed that they also have more depth in the squad led by Wembanyama.
The Houston Rockets also have a young, up-and-coming squad that even made it into the playoffs last season – and they have now got a superstar. Kevin Durant wants to lead the franchise to the title, so far he has achieved this twice with the Golden State Warriors. The debate to this day is that Durant was never a face of this team, even though he was Finals MVP both times – he will be in Houston.
The Philadelphia 76ers are also an outsider tip – but with one caveat. A lot depends on whether Joel Embiid can overcome his injury problems and be consistently on the court. Then “Phily” would at least have a starting five that can keep up with the best, especially if Paul George finds his old strength again. With VJ Edgecombe, the 76ers apparently got a top draft pick at position three.
San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama in action
Which players do you need to pay particular attention to?
In addition to well-known stars such as MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokoumpo, James, Durant and many others, Wembanyama will almost certainly cause a sensation. The most exciting performance is expected from Cooper Flagg, who is an absolute stroke of luck for the Dallas Mavericks and, together with “Wemby”, is the most hyped number 1 draft pick in recent years. And his performance in the preseason suggests the hype is justified.
Anthony Edwards has become a face of the NBA in recent years, and in Minnesota the 24-year-old is increasingly growing into a leadership role in a strong team. Edwards stands for spectacle and increasingly also for success, but he is still missing the big hit.
Dallas Mavericks Cooper Flagg in action
Which German players are in the NBA?
Now that Moritz Wagner has also received a new contract in Orlando after his short-term absence and his knee injury has almost been cured, he will soon be back on the court alongside Franz Wagner and Tristan da Silva. Their European champion colleague Dennis Schröder now plays for the Sacramento Kings, Hartenstein continues to play for the City Thunder. Ariel Hukporti (New York Knicks) and Maxi Kleber (Los Angeles Lakers) also stayed with their teams.
Which dates do you need to know?
The “in-season tournament” that has been taking place since the 2023/24 season is now called the “NBA Emirates Cup” and starts on October 31st. The final of this cup competition will take place on December 16th in Las Vegas, with each player on the winning team receiving $500,000 in prize money.
And there is a premiere that will make German fans happy: On January 15, 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic will play the first NBA game in Germany with the Wagner brothers Franz and Moritz. The game takes place in Berlin. Three days later, on January 18th, the NBA will be visiting London.
All-Star Weekend will take place in Los Angeles from February 13th to 15th and the regular season will end on April 12th. The playoffs start on April 18th, four days before the play-ins for the final places in the knockout rounds.
Will the NBA games be broadcast in Germany?
In addition to the “NBA League Pass”, “Amazon Prime” is now showing 86 games of the regular season live, including the entire final games. “Sky” also broadcasts live games, but how many are not known. It is said that they would offer “at least one ‘NBA Game of the Week'” with German commentary.