Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, and Jamal Crawford Join Executive Producer Sam Flood to Preview NBA Return on NBC and Peacock Debut This Tuesday at 7:30 PM ET

The NBA makes a highly anticipated return to NBC after more than two decades, debuting on Peacock with the NBA Tip-Off on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The much-awaited season is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, and Jamal Crawford joining Executive Producer Sam Flood for an exclusive preview of the 2025-26 NBA schedule.
NBA Return Sparks Excitement Among Key Figures
Mike Tirico, the renowned play-by-play commentator, shares his enthusiasm for witnessing the return of the NBA to NBC. Tirico highlights the exceptional role of covering these games and the unparalleled experience of watching the finest athletes compete, which begins this Tuesday in Oklahoma City.
Meanwhile, NBA analyst and Hall of Famer Reggie Miller expresses excitement about reconnecting with NBC, where many of his career highlights unfolded. Miller draws parallels between the rising Oklahoma City Thunder and the legendary Chicago Bulls, mentioning stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
Jamal Crawford fondly recalls the original NBA on NBC broadcasts that inspired him in his career. He is thrilled to collaborate with the network again, bringing basketball’s glorious moments to a new generation of fans.
Anticipation for NBC Sports’ Coverage
Sam Flood, Executive Producer, suggests that audiences will experience a familiar sense of nostalgia. He emphasizes the high expectations set by fans who remember NBC’s prior broadcasts and the team’s commitment to reviving these memorable aspects.
- Terry Gannon joins the commentary team, alongside Noah Eagle and Michael Grady, adding veteran insights to the broadcasts.
- A unique feature this season is the “On the Bench” segments, designed to provide fresh perspectives amid the expansive 1,230-game regular season schedule.
Flood notes the significance of the NBA’s availability on a broadcast network, highlighting its potential impact in broadening the league’s fanbase.
Key Season Highlights and Predictions
Reggie Miller shares optimistic predictions for the season, including the potential rise of the Oklahoma City Thunder as a dynasty. He also sees a promising future for the New York Knicks under Mike Brown’s leadership.
Crawford advises caution for Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, emphasizing long-term health over early return risks. Meanwhile, Tirico sees a bright future for the Detroit Pistons, noting the emergence of players like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
Upcoming Matches and Coverage
Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
---|---|---|
Oct. 21 | Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets | 7:30 p.m. |
Oct. 21 | Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors | 10:00 p.m. |
The season commences with an exciting doubleheader. The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Houston Rockets at Paycom Center in Oklahoma, marking a significant moment with the Thunder’s championship banner-raising ceremony. In the nightcap, the Los Angeles Lakers meet the Golden State Warriors in Los Angeles, offering fans another thrilling Western Conference clash.
NBC Sports will showcase up to 100 regular season games, including major events like the NBA Playoffs and the All-Star Weekend. Additionally, Peacock will stream various games, starting with its “Peacock NBA Monday” on Oct. 27, further broadening the league’s nationwide reach.