Discover the 2025-26 NBA Season Start Date and Meet the Iowa College Alumni on NBA Teams
The NBA is set to kick off its 2025-26 season this week, promising excitement and competition. The opening night will occur on Tuesday, October 21, featuring a highly anticipated doubleheader. Fans will witness the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, going head-to-head with the Houston Rockets, followed by a clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors.
2025-26 NBA Season Start Date
The 2025-26 season officially begins at 6:30 p.m. CT with the Thunder vs. Rockets matchup. Shortly after, at 9 p.m., the Lakers will take on the Warriors. For those in Des Moines, both games can be viewed on NBC affiliate WHO 13 or streamed via Peacock.
Iowa College Alumni in the NBA
This season, six players from Iowa colleges are on NBA rosters. They include alumni from Iowa State and the University of Northern Iowa. Unfortunately, several of these athletes are beginning the season on the injury report.
Key Injuries
- Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings) – out 4 to 6 weeks due to a thumb injury.
- Niang (Philadelphia 76ers) – sidelined for 2 to 3 weeks with a stress fracture in his left foot.
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) – out for the entire season after tearing his right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
On a positive note, former Hawkeyes Luka Garza and Keegan Murray will begin their NBA campaigns on Wednesday, October 22. Garza, now with the Boston Celtics, will face the Philadelphia 76ers. Meanwhile, Murray’s Portland Trail Blazers will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Additionally, UNI alumnus A.J. Green will start his season with the Milwaukee Bucks against the Washington Wizards.
As the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds, fans will also be keen to follow the achievements of Iowa’s basketball alumni. For more details on how to view these exciting games, refer to USA TODAY Sports.
