Reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City will play host to the Houston Rockets on October 21 to tip off the league's 80th season, NBA officials announced on Tuesday.The Thunder will raise their championship banner before reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates face the Kevin Durant-led Rockets.

Houston’s regular-season opener at Oklahoma City tips at 6:30 p.m. Central on NBC, while the Christmas matchup vs. the Lakers is at 7:00 p.m. on ABC.

The NBA announced on Tuesday that the season will begin on Oct. 21 with a doubleheader on NBC and Peacock. In the first game, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will meet star forward Kevin Durant and the new-look Houston Rockets. In the nightcap, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors.