NBA schedule 2026-27: Opening evening, Christmas and must-see video games

The 2026-27 NBA schedule is right here!

The common season begins on Oct. 20 with a triple-header. The Boston Celtics will face the Detroit Pistons at 3 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock) earlier than the Philadelphia 76ers head to Madison Square Garden to play the New York Knicks (7 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock) and the Oklahoma City Thunder journey to the San Antonio Spurs (9:30 p.m. ET NBC/Peacock).

As the NBA’s 81st season approaches, which rookie debuts, rooted rivalries and playoff rematches ought to be on the high of your watch record?

After a busy offseason, there shall be loads of superstars donning new threads. Giannis Antetokounmpo shall be sporting crimson and black after the Greek phenom was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat in July. Jaylen Brown will even be repping a brand new search for the Philadelphia 76ers after a commerce from his longtime staff, the Boston Celtics.

Most notably, LeBron James will tip off his twenty fourth NBA season alongside Brown after the 41-year-old joined the 76ers following months of free-agent hypothesis about the place the longer term Hall of Famer would land.

The league can also be buzzing across the debuts of high lottery picks AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. However, the Rookie of the Year race seems removed from settled with No. 3 decide Cameron Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies) and No. 4 decide Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls) wanting able to make rapid impacts in Year 1.

With loads of storylines ready to unfold this season, ESPN’s NBA insiders break down essentially the most anticipated video games of the 2026-27 NBA season, together with opening evening, revenge matchups, vacation showdowns and key celebrity returns.

Jump to a piece:
NBA schedule FAQs | Opening evening
LeBron | Big reunions and rematches
Five Christmas video games | Rookie battles
Full schedules for all 30 NBA groups

NBA schedule FAQ

When is opening day/evening?

Opening day and evening of the NBA is Oct. 20 because the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons will tipoff the season at 3 p.m. ET(NBC/Peacock). The uncommon day opening recreation shall be adopted by the Philadelphia 76ers on the defending champion New York Knicks (7 p.m., NBC/Peacock) and the Oklahoma City Thunder on the San Antonio Spurs (9:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock).

When is the Emirates NBA Cup?

The fourth version of the NBA Cup begins on Oct. 30 with group play and can finish on Nov. 27. The quarterfinals will happen from Dec. 4-5 and the semifinals shall be performed on Dec. 8 and 9. The championship will tip off on Dec. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

What is the Christmas schedule?

There shall be 5 video games Dec. 25:

When and the place is the All-Star Game?

The NBA All-Star Game will happen Feb. 21, 2027, on the Mortgage Matchup Center, dwelling of the Phoenix Suns.

Opening-night matchups (Oct. 20)

Celtics at Pistons
3 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock

The NBA is increasing its opening evening slate to incorporate a matinee matchup between the Eastern Conference’s high two seeds from final season. For the Pistons, who have not performed on Christmas in additional than 20 years, internet hosting the primary recreation of the 2026-27 season represents a superb alternative to launch Cade Cunningham’s MVP candidacy to a captive nationwide viewers.

The refashioned Celtics, in the meantime, will get their first have a look at the Jayson Tatum and Paul George partnership after their polarizing determination to commerce Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in July. — Ben Golliver

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76ers at Knicks
7 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock

When LeBron James returned to Cleveland in 2014 for his second stint with the franchise, he could not assist however get caught up within the hype for the Cavs’ first common season recreation towards the New York Knicks. “This is probably one of the biggest sporting events that is up there, ever,” James stated.

Remarkably, 12 years later he’ll get an opportunity to high it. James’ Sixers debut can also be towards the Knicks, however this time it is at Madison Square Garden on ring evening for New York. As if the circumstances weren’t sufficient to titillate, seeing how James matches with Philadelphia’s star-studded roster that features Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey will give basketball voyeurs loads to feast their eyes on. — Dave McMenamin

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Thunder at Spurs
9:30 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock

Counting the common season, NBA Cup and the playoffs, these groups performed 12 instances final season, and so they’ll open this season towards one another. The Spurs received eight of these matchups final season in probably the most aggressive rivalries within the West. The Thunder, led by two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, will not overlook San Antonio’s emotional celebration on its dwelling flooring within the aftermath of the Spurs knocking off the Thunder in Game 7 of a Western Conference Finals sequence that OKC led 3-2.

Meanwhile, Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama all the time will get up for these video games, and can have extra incentive to open the season on a powerful word, to erase the unhealthy style of the Spurs’ Finals loss. — Michael C. Wright

LeBron James’ twenty fourth NBA season:

James thought-about a number of locations when he determined to finish his Lakers’ profession after eight seasons. Those fanbases will all get an opportunity to see what may need been when James involves city.

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76ers at Cavaliers
Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m. ET | Prime

James granted just one in-person assembly throughout his free company: the Cavs entrance workplace and possession group in early July. And but he in the end determined towards a 3rd reunion with Cleveland, leaving the Cavs on the proverbial altar but once more. Now the Cavs, recent off their deepest playoff run in three a long time with out LeBron, shall be out to show that he made the unsuitable alternative in becoming a member of one other Eastern Conference contender.

This would be the second of their two early-season conferences, as Cleveland is the opponent for James’ dwelling opener as a 76er (Oct. 22, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN). These matchups may be a preview of a possible playoff sequence this spring, in what can be the primary time in James’ profession he is needed to face his hometown staff in a postseason sequence. — Golliver

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76ers at Heat
Jan. 30, 12:30 p.m. ET | ABC

It may have been LeBron, Giannis and the brand new Heatles versus the remainder of the NBA. But James spurned a return to South Beach for Philadelphia, leaving Pat Riley left to surprise what if as soon as once more. There shall be loads of intrigue getting into James’ return journey to Miami, although the 2 groups meet earlier within the month in Philadelphia (Jan. 8, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN). Even with out James, the Heat will nonetheless be a drive to reckon with within the paint with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo anchoring Erik Spoelstra’s protection.

As Riley has made abundantly clear, the Heat are gunning for a championship. A win over James and the Sixers would solely enhance Miami’s confidence that it may be an East contender even with out their former star. — Ohm Youngmisuk

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76ers at Warriors
March 24, 10 p.m. ET | ESPN

The late-career convention swap from LeBron James means there are solely two potential dates per common season for him to satisfy up with the franchise and star participant he as soon as battled within the Finals 4 consecutive Junes. Despite 4 probabilities when James was a Laker final season, he wasn’t on the courtroom towards Steph Curry as soon as.

James missed the opener towards the Warriors and Curry missed the subsequent three Lakers matchups because of damage. Including playoffs, they’ve confronted off 55 instances of their legendary careers. Curry’s Warriors are 30-25. — Anthony Slater

Other must-see reunions:

Raptors at Clippers
Nov. 2, 10 p.m. ET

Kawhi Leonard returns to Los Angeles?: Which jersey will Leonard be sporting when the Raptors go to the Clippers? The reply is, remarkably, nonetheless unknown, as a result of the practically accomplished commerce that might have despatched Leonard again to Toronto stays in limbo as the 2 groups await the NBA’s ruling within the Aspiration investigation.

That scandalous finish to Leonard’s tenure in Los Angeles, in addition to his lack of a title with the Clippers, give him a slightly difficult legacy as a Clipper, which ends up in a second as but unanswered query: If Leonard is certainly traded to the Raptors, how will Clippers followers greet him in his return? — Zach Kram

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Celtics at 76ers
Nov. 10, 8 p.m. ET | NBC

Paul George returns to Philadelphia: The Celtics and 76ers will sq. off for the primary time after dominating headlines with their July swap of Brown and Paul George. Both groups ought to nonetheless be adjusting to their summer time strikes so early within the season, and LeBron James will get an opportunity to endear himself to 76ers followers because of their shared hatred of the Celtics. Meanwhile, George will return to Philadelphia after a sophisticated two-year tenure. How will he be acquired? While his transient keep within the metropolis featured damage points, a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug coverage and fan complaints about his contract, George departed on a excessive word by serving to the 76ers rating a memorable first-round sequence victory over the Celtics in final 12 months’s playoffs. — Golliver

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Bucks at Heat
Nov. 18, 7 p.m. ET | ESPN

Tyler Herro returns to Miami: Bam Adebayo was not pleased with Tyler Herro questioning his protection and the way a lot he makes in a leaked IG direct message to a fan, resulting in him hitting his former teammate in Las Vegas throughout summer time league. There’s a superb probability Adebayo is not finished expressing how he feels. When the Bucks and Heat meet, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rematch along with his outdated staff is perhaps a little bit overshadowed by Bam vs Herro.

This shall be a chance for Herro to get again at Adebayo and his outdated Heat staff. And he will not be the one Buck extremely motivated. Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis will definitely be desperate to remind the Heat of what they surrendered for Giannis. — Youngmisuk

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76ers at Celtics
Jan. 21, 7 p.m. ET | Prime

Jaylen Brown returns to Boston: After practically a decade as Celtics teammates, Tatum and Brown will take the TD Garden parquet as opponents for the primary time when the new-look 76ers go to Boston. Expect Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP, to be showered with cheers by appreciative Celtics followers who have been left surprised by a July commerce that ended his 10-year run in Boston.

Brown’s homecoming recreation will not come till practically three months into the 2026-27 season, so observers ought to have a superb sense by then whether or not the Atlantic Division rivals are on monitor as aspiring contenders. Given that the Brown commerce generated important debate when it occurred, think about what the discourse will sound like main as much as this recreation if Boston or Philadelphia will get off to a gradual begin. — Golliver

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Heat at Bucks
Jan. 28, 9:30 p.m. ET | Prime

Giannis Antetokounmpo returns to Milwaukee: Giannis Antetokounmpo has gone out of his technique to specific the way it wasn’t private with Milwaukee. He loves town that drafted him, the place he grew up for 13 seasons and have become a two-time MVP and NBA champion. But Antetokounmpo noticed the top of the street for Milwaukee’s playoff rivalry and now he will get a recent begin in Miami with an opportunity to compete on the highest stage once more.

But his return to Milwaukee shall be full of feelings, each for the participant who nonetheless loves town and a fanbase who by no means wished to see him go away. — Jamal Collier

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Trail Blazers at Grizzlies
Feb. 6, 5:30 p.m. ET | Prime

Ja Morant returns to Memphis: Morant by no means wished to depart town that embraced him wholeheartedly for seven seasons. But a sequence of accidents, off-court incidents and two organizational resets made his eventual commerce to Portland inevitable. Morant led a younger, thrilling Grizzlies core anticipated to compete for championships for years to return.

But Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane received just one playoff sequence collectively. Morant joins an ascending Portland staff coming off its first playoff sequence since 2021 however stated in his first press convention as a Blazer that Memphis “will always be home to me.” Expect town to reciprocate the love. — Michael C. Wright

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Timberwolves at Hornets
Feb. 15, 12 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock

LaMelo Ball returns to Charlotte: The Hornets’ determination to commerce LaMelo Ball would have been the largest shocker of the summer time had James not picked Philadelphia. Charlotte loved the second-biggest turnaround final season, was arguably the most well liked staff after Jan. 1 and completed one play-in win shy of snapping the longest playoff drought within the NBA. It would have been simple to run it again. Yet, the Hornets traded not solely their quarterback however one of many franchise’s hottest gamers.

Charlotte’s entrance workplace deemed that it will not be capable of be a championship contender with Ball on the helm. The Hornets are prepared to show the offense over to Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel and hand the purpose guard duties over to Coby White. They additionally coveted Naz Reid. Many Hornets followers, although, have been left pissed off by the transfer to commerce away their thrilling and unpredictable star. Ball shall be celebrated by followers who miss him. And he’ll look to point out that he will be the profitable piece Minnesota is lacking alongside Anthony Edwards. — Youngmisuk

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Celtics at Knicks
March 14, 12 p.m. ET | ABC

Mitchell Robinson returns to New York: This shall be a surreal evening for Celtics middle Mitchell Robinson, who capped an eight-year run with the Knicks by profitable a championship final season. Sadly, the longest-tenured Knicks participant grew to become the franchise’s largest summer time defection as soon as proprietor James Dolan determined to not exceed the second apron to maintain his title roster collectively.

As a outcome, Robinson pivoted to the Celtics, who wanted to bolster their frontline after a first-round loss within the playoffs. A high-volume rebounder and defensive specialist who fought via a hand damage within the Finals, Robinson can anticipate a heat reception from the Madison Square Garden trustworthy. — Golliver

Delayed reunions

Jazz at Grizzlies
Oct. 21, 8 p.m. ET

Jaren Jackson Jr. returns to Memphis: Just a little greater than two weeks after Memphis traded Jackson to Utah, the Grizzlies hosted the Jazz in an outing the previous NBA Defensive Player of the Year missed because of a knee damage. Memphis acknowledged the two-time All-Star with a video tribute on the finish of the primary quarter. But hopefully, this time, he will get to play as an anchor for a revamped Utah roster that additionally options No. 2 decide Darryn Peterson, an improved Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen.

Jackson shall be up towards a Memphis squad that he will not acknowledge. General supervisor Zach Kleiman has virtually utterly turned over the younger Grizzlies roster. Once a core piece together with Ja Morant and Desmond Bane of what was seen as a shiny future in Memphis, Jackson now will get to match up head-to-head with the brand new future in No. 3 decide Cameron Boozer. — Wright

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Wizards at Hawks
Nov. 6, 7 p.m. ET

Trae Young returns to Atlanta: Young made his first return to Atlanta on Feb. 24 however didn’t play in that recreation nor two nights later within the second of an Atlanta back-to-back. The Hawks crowd gave their former star level guard an ovation throughout a tribute video that aired and Young responded by forming the form of a coronary heart along with his fingers to the followers.

This time, although, Young will play on the ground he used to name dwelling towards his former teammates. There actually shall be an emotion that comes with that after enjoying his first eight seasons for the membership. While Young has stated he holds no animosity towards his former staff, he actually will wish to present Atlanta that he’s price each penny of the four-year, $212-million contract he signed with the Wizards this summer time. — Youngmisuk

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Wizards at Mavericks
March 11, 7 p.m. ET

Anthony Davis returns to Dallas: This shall be awkward. Mavs followers haven’t got animosity towards Davis, however he represents essentially the most painful determination in franchise historical past because the centerpiece within the Luka Doncic commerce that was instantly despised and rapidly proved to be a traditionally terrible deal.

An AD tribute video would in all probability generate groans from the group, however there may not be sufficient footage of him in a Mavs uniform to make one anyway. — Tim MacMahon

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Cavaliers at Clippers
March 11, 10:30 p.m. ET

James Harden returns to Los Angeles: Harden spent three years in Los Angeles and whereas he put up some spectacular common season stats, his playoff performances by no means wherever close to a stage shut sufficient to place the Clippers over the hump.

Yet, his story in LA ended on a well-recognized beat, as soon as it was clear he wasn’t going to get the form of extension he believed he deserved, he ended up getting a commerce to a spot prepared to present him a multi-year deal. Cleveland is hopeful Harden would be the lacking piece. The Clippers will welcome Harden again, however having already firmly moved on. — Collier

Run it again: Big postseason rematches to observe

Pistons vs. Magic
Nov. 24, 7 p.m. ET

These two groups met in one of many closest sequence of the whole Eastern Conference playoffs with the 8-seed Magic virtually pulling off a huge upset of the 1-seed Pistons earlier than Detroit rallied from down 3-1.

For a second throughout their first-round sequence, it was unclear which staff deserved which seed. Orlando had all summer time to dream about what-ifs, particularly contemplating Franz Wagner missed the ultimate three video games of the sequence. Detroit shall be out to show that final 12 months’s 60 wins and No. 1 seed was no fluke. What higher method to take action than towards the staff that almost despatched them dwelling early. — Collier

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Thunder vs. Pacers
Feb. 5, 9:30 p.m. ET | Prime

2025 NBA Finals rematch: It looks like historical historical past now, however the Pacers received inside a hair of profitable the NBA championship not too way back. Perhaps, if not for a devastating damage, Indiana would have pulled off one of many largest upsets in Finals historical past.

But with Tyrese Haliburton again on the courtroom after a torn Achilles, Indiana expects to reclaim its spot among the many league’s elite. There is not any higher measuring stick than Oklahoma City. — Collier

Christmas Day matchups

Spurs at Knicks
12 p.m. ET | ESPN

In what many take into account to be as nice of a five-game Finals they’ll keep in mind, the New York Knicks received their first championship in 53 years by thwarting the league’s up-and-coming supernova, Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

The video games dripped with drama; from Wemby’s late gaffe in Game 2, to OG Anunoby’s tip-in for the ages in Game 4, to Jalen Brunson’s heroic street efficiency in Game 5. All advised, it was the most-watched Finals sequence since 1998, averaging 20.6 million viewers on ABC and ESPN. Their regular-season rematch may not have championship stakes, nevertheless it nonetheless guarantees to be must-see TV. — McMenamin

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Heat at Celtics
2:30 p.m. ET | ESPN

This was an impressed alternative by the NBA’s schedule-makers: Who does not need a little bit drama and unhealthy blood to boost the vacation? The Celtics and Heat have lengthy cultivated one of many NBA’s fiercest rivalries, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami’s new franchise participant, battled Boston within the 2018, 2019 and 2022 playoffs. As if that on-court historical past wasn’t sufficient, the Celtics have been reportedly one among Antetokounmpo’s commerce suitors this summer time earlier than the Bucks despatched the two-time MVP to South Beach. Gather the household across the Christmas campfire to seek out out whether or not Boston’s Brad Stevens ought to have sweetened his supply for Antetokounmpo. — Golliver

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76ers at Lakers
5 p.m. ET | ESPN

As notable as James’ and Luka Doncic’s pairing with the Lakers was, they ended up enjoying simply 72 video games collectively between the common season and playoffs. They went 47-25 (.652) however in the end, their time shall be remembered as what may have been.

It’s been practically a decade since James was an opponent of the Lakers, however he is finished fairly effectively towards the purple and gold previously, going 22-8 (.733), in accordance with StatMuse. Against Doncic, nevertheless, James is simply 8-6 (.571). That means each Lakers-Sixers matchups — together with James’ first go to to Los Angeles since leaving the Lakers, on Christmas — determine to be cinema. — McMenamin

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Thunder at Timberwolves
8 p.m. ET | ESPN

This is a house showcase for the new-look Timberwolves – and arguably the highest-profile recreation of LaMelo Ball’s profession. Anthony Edwards is changing into a Christmas common, making his third consecutive look on the vacation stage, averaging 35 factors in his earlier two Christmas video games. Back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an off recreation in his solely Christmas outing, scoring 22 factors on 7-of-19 taking pictures in final 12 months’s dwelling loss to the Spurs. — MacMahon

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Nuggets at Warriors
10:30 p.m. ET | ESPN

The Warriors are down sufficient that they’ve lastly been bumped from the premium vacation slots, however Steph Curry’s presence as a rankings draw means they weren’t excised from Christmas completely. The league opted to place Curry towards Nikola Jokic within the evening slot, capping off an extended day of basketball with two contrasting MVP abilities who’ve outlined the final decade.

Assuming well being on each side, there’s loads of juice to the matchup – Jokic towards a veteran frontline of Draymond Green, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis whereas Curry squares up towards Jamal Murray. — Slater

Rookie of the Year watch

Kings vs. Nets
Dec. 31, 6 p.m. ET

Really, it is going to be fascinating to watch all 4 level guards chosen between picks 5-8, together with Keaton Wagler and Kingston Flemings. Of that group on paper, Acuff and Brown determine to have the largest roles as rookies. And whereas neither the Kings nor Nets shall be must-see TV this season, these franchises have loads using on the success of their rookie flooring leaders.

Both Acuff and Brown will face steep NBA studying curves, significantly on the defensive finish. But their offensive expertise ought to be price watching as they determine issues out on the fly this season. — Jeremy Woo

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Wizards vs. Jazz
Feb. 27, 3 p.m. ET | Prime

AJ Dybantsa vs. Darryn Peterson: This is the rookie matchup most price tuning in for, with the highest two picks more likely to have important roles, and the Wizards’ franchise-altering determination between them at No. 1 hanging over these head-to-head conferences.

Peterson was my No. 1-ranked prospect, and is expert sufficient to be a high-impact participant out of the field. Honing his shot choice and adjusting to the pace of the NBA recreation after a considerably misplaced developmental season at Kansas would be the subsequent steps.

Dybantsa has the bodily edge, however what sort of affect he can have as a rookie will rely largely on his leap taking pictures growth, a transparent enchancment space shifting ahead.

The truth they ended up in separate conferences places a little bit of a damper on any actual rivalry – however for what it is price, Peterson received every time the 2 squared off in highschool and school. — Woo

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Grizzlies vs. Bulls
March 13, 8 p.m. ET

Cameron Boozer vs. Caleb Wilson: This shall be a real head-to-head matchup between two true energy forwards who could not be extra completely different stylistically. Boozer and Wilson solely confronted off as soon as in school because of Wilson’s season-ending accidents, however that UNC-Duke tilt was the perfect school recreation I noticed all season, with their matchup dwelling as much as the hype.

I view Boozer as essentially the most NBA-ready of the highest rookies, and his Grizzlies staff is a step or two forward of the Bulls by way of retooling – this will not be an ideal recreation. But anticipate each gamers — former AAU teammates, at that — to stand up for the matchup. — Woo

Every staff’s full 2026-27 schedule

Atlantic: BOS | BKN | NYK | PHI | TOR
Central: CHI | CLE | DET | IND | MIL
Southeast: ATL | CHA | MIA | ORL | WAS
Pacific: GS | LAC | LAL | PHX | SAC
Southwest: DAL | HOU | MEM | NO | SA
Northwest: DEN | MIN | OKC | POR | UTAH