How to watch today's Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets NBA game: Live stream, TV channel, and start time

The Oklahoma City Thunder head into the new NBA season with just one notable setback, Jalen Williams remains sidelined after undergoing wrist surgery, having spent much of the offseason away from basketball. On the flip side, that same downtime has given Shai Gilgeous-Alexander some much-needed rest after carrying the team on his shoulders throughout last year's campaign.

Unlike their upcoming opponents, the Houston Rockets underwent a dramatic overhaul this offseason, reshaping nearly every corner of their roster. Key contributors from last season — Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and Cam Whitmore — all moved on, paving the way for a fresh core. Among the new arrivals are Josh Okogie, Dorian Finney-Smith, JD Davison, Clint Capela, and, of course, the marquee signing that shook the league — Kevin Durant.

After stunning many with a 52-win campaign and securing second place in the Western Conference, Houston's promising run came to an abrupt end in the first round of the playoffs at the hands of the more battle-tested Golden State Warriors. That early exit underlined exactly what the Rockets were missing, composure, veteran leadership, and proven scoring ability.

Below, GOAL brings you everything you need to watch the Thunder vs Lakers game today.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets: Date & Tip-off Time

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets will face off in a highly anticipated NBA encounter on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 7:30 pm ET/ 4:30 pm PT at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.

How to watch the Thunder vs Rockets NBA match online - TV Channels & Live Streams

• TV Channel: NBC
• Livestream: Peacock, Fubo

The Thunder vs Rockets game will air on NBC nationally. The game can also be streamed on Peacock and Fubo. 

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.

Thunder vs Rockets Team News & Key Performers

Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC also bolstered their roster with the addition of promising youngster Nikola Topic, though the Serbian guard will sit out the opening stretch of the season as he continues to recover from his own injury concerns.

Unlike many teams still figuring out chemistry and rotations, there's little mystery about what to expect from the Thunder. They'll bring their trademark relentless defensive intensity, applying pressure from baseline to baseline. The lineup boasts a mix of elite stoppers, with Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso patrolling the perimeter and Isaiah Hartenstein alongside Chet Holmgren providing rim protection and interior toughness.

Offensively, OKC's rhythm will once again flow through Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose mid-range precision and ability to draw fouls make him the driving force of their attack. Expect the Thunder to rely heavily on his shot creation and knack for getting to the charity stripe as they aim to build on last season’s success.

Houston Rockets

Head coach Ime Udoka got all three in one package with the arrival of Kevin Durant, one of basketball’s most prolific scorers and a two-time NBA champion. His presence alone injects star power and stability into a young, hungry roster. The addition of Dorian Finney-Smith has also been widely praised as one of the shrewdest offseason moves. The versatile forward offers elite perimeter defense, consistent outside shooting, and a team-first mindset, a perfect fit alongside Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun, who are expected to form the core of Houston’s offensive engine.

Sengun, fresh off a standout summer with the Turkish national team, is poised for another leap, while Thompson, whom the Rockets refused to include in any trade talks for Durant, is being tipped for a breakout campaign.

However, the Rockets’ optimism has been tempered by the blow of Fred VanVleet’s long-term injury. The veteran guard was expected to be the steadying hand next to the team’s youthful stars. In his absence, rookie Reed Sheppard will step into the spotlight. After a rocky debut season, the young guard impressed during the preseason, and Houston now hopes this is the year he finally fulfills his high potential when the real games begin.

Thunder vs Rockets: Head-to-Head Records