NBA Season Begins with Key Matchups and DFS Insights for Fans

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – October 21, 2025 – The NBA season kicks off tonight with two exciting games that hold great significance for fans and bettors alike. The reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Houston Rockets, while the Golden State Warriors challenge the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Thunder, fresh from their remarkable 68-14 season, are celebrating their first championship title. They host the Rockets, who feature new star Kevin Durant and are aiming to make a statement after finishing with 52 wins last season.

In the second game, the Lakers will be without LeBron James, sidelined until mid-November due to a right-side sciatica injury. Luka Doncic will lead the Lakers, supported by Austin Reaves, as they seek an early season victory against the Warriors.

The matchup between the Rockets and Thunder kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the Thunder favored to win by 6.5 points. The over/under for the total points is set at 227.5.

Later, the Warriors take on the Lakers at 10:00 p.m. ET, with the Warriors favored by 2.5 points. The total for this game is projected at 226.5 points.

Injury reports reveal that Rockets’ Fred VanVleet is out due to a knee issue, while the Thunder’s Jalen Williams is questionable with a wrist injury. For the Warriors, Jimmy Butler III is also questionable with an ankle injury.

As the games unfold tonight, fantasy basketball enthusiasts can find critical insights regarding player performances. Key options include Doncic, who will see increased usage now that James is out, and Durant, who remains a formidable scoring threat. With the excitement building, fans and bettors will look to capitalize on these thrilling matchups.