ESPN announced on Tuesday the games they will broadcast as part of opening-week doubleheaders on Oct. 22 and 23. The Pacers will host the Thunder at 7:30 p.m. in an ESPN televised game on Oct. 23 after losing to the Thunder in seven games in the 2024-25 NBA Finals.

As for the Thunder, who won 68 games against just 14 losses last season, their core remains intact, with Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, leading the charge. Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort and Alex Caruso are all still in the Thunder’s fold.

The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA’s Christmas schedule. That won’t be an issue this year. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the NBA champion Thunder will be working at home for Christmas this season,