Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT), nationally on ESPN in the United States. Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are the NBA’s opening-week focus for this Denver–Oklahoma City game.
Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder: time and TV
| U.S. date | Thursday, October 22, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Tip-off | 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT |
| Matchup | Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder |
| National U.S. TV | ESPN; ESPN App access depends on an eligible subscription or provider |
Why this opening-week game matters
The NBA’s opening-week preview notes that the winners of five of the previous six MVP awards are matched up, and that Oklahoma City beat Denver in seven games in the 2025 West semifinals. That history explains the reader interest; it does not predict the outcome or confirm game-day player availability.
How to watch in the United States
The NBA’s ESPN and ABC schedule lists this game in Thursday’s opening-week ESPN doubleheader. An eligible TV package or ESPN App access may be required. The listing does not establish a free stream or the same broadcaster outside the U.S.; use the official NBA viewing guide for local availability.
Before tip-off
Starting lineups, player availability and the result are not assumed. Check the official game listing for changes; this URL will be updated if the NBA revises the game time or U.S. national TV selection. The October 22 NBA schedule hub covers every game that day.
Official sources: NBA Communications schedule release, NBA opening-week preview and team schedule.