The 2025-26 NBA schedule has been revealed, and (nearly) every team discovered an inventive method to share the update on their social platforms. Mirroring a trend seen in the NFL, NBA teams have significantly elevated the quality of their schedule release videos.
Social media departments dedicated considerable effort to create videos that would become viral sensations, and in numerous instances, they achieved their goal. Numerous enjoyable and original concepts were utilized, injecting vibrancy into the schedule release day.
Several teams adopted animals as a central theme, which proved to be a successful strategy. After all, who could dislike a towering NBA athlete cradling a diminutive dog? Certainly not this individual.
Some teams delved into historical references, others took playful jabs at their rivals, and a few humorously targeted the incoming rookies. While the vast majority of teams performed admirably, a select few did not quite meet the mark.
Without further delay, let’s examine the 2025-26 schedule release videos to ascertain which teams excelled and which ones stumbled.
30. Utah Jazz
Utah presented a straightforward approach. If you desire the schedule, here it is. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, they’ll need to inject more energy into their schedule release next year to achieve a higher ranking.
29. Atlanta Hawks
To be fair to the Hawks, they hosted an extensive schedule release livestream, but they did not produce a standalone post or video like 28 other teams did. Players did draw pictures of the opponents, which is always fun.
28. New York Knicks
This schedule announcement? Forget about it.
27. Indiana Pacers
This leans more towards a hype video than a schedule release, but it’s understandable given their recent NBA Finals appearance. They’re eager for the 2025-26 season (even without Tyrese Haliburton).
26. Los Angeles Lakers
The scrapbook concept has potential, but it would have been enhanced with subtle digs at rival teams or players on each page. They could’ve introduced some drama during the slower parts of the offseason, Lakers.
25. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers opted for a series of images featuring a small blue figure. Some of these are genuinely humorous (like the Team Jacob shirt for the Timberwolves), but overall, it didn’t quite reach the level of some other teams’ efforts.
24. Sacramento Kings
A good Mortal Kombat recreation is appreciated, but the Kings simply showcased opposing mascots. However, the incorporation of “Light the Beam” Slamson’s special move was a commendable addition.
23. Golden State Warriors
What fraction of young viewers will understand the reference? This is what’s known as a screensaver. In our youth, we used to observe them, anticipating a perfect hit in the corner of the screen. It never happened. Extremely frustrating.
22. Dallas Mavericks
This draws inspiration from last year’s video featuring Dereck Lively II visiting Dinosaur World. Yet, he doesn’t return to Dinosaur World. Similar to the Jurassic Park sequels, capturing the allure of the original is difficult.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder
This is fairly straightforward, displaying iconic locations throughout Oklahoma City. Although simple, some of the visuals are quite striking.
20. Detroit Pistons
Here we observe some light rookie ribbing, with Ronald Holland II compelled to print the new schedule before passing the task to 2025 rookie Chaz Lanier. Unfortunately for the Pistons, another team executed a similar idea slightly better.
19. Milwaukee Bucks
This video presents a local character known as the Chuggernaut, according to my social media research. It’s worth noting that one must possess an exceptionally resilient stomach to consume these beverages rapidly.
18. Miami Heat
Davion Mitchell has everyone in Miami anticipating basketball — and carrying their basketball with them wherever they go. Apparently, the Heat’s defensive specialist doesn’t take off season.
17. Denver Nuggets
Every Nuggets opponent… represented as chicken nuggets. Delightful (and savory). Uncomplicated. Enjoyable. It doesn’t necessarily require greater complexity.
16. Toronto Raptors
My apologies. I’m not well-versed in Canadian sketch comedy, but I believe this is a reference to “Just For Laughs Gags.” It shares similarities with “I Think You Should Leave,” which is a definite positive for me.
15. Philadelphia 76ers
I enjoyed the 76ers’ schedule release video due to its resemblance to vintage sports highlight reels. It featured Allen Iverson’s mesmerizing plays and playfully teasing Ty Lue, accompanied by upbeat music.
14. San Antonio Spurs
This schedule release video is captivating. I was completely drawn to it. Furthermore, is all of that actually edible? If so, were there any leftovers?
13. Charlotte Hornets
This anime-inspired video distinguishes itself from the rest of the NBA. It was a fun, brief segment of action and animation showcasing a significant portion of the Hornets’ young talent.
12. Houston Rockets
I conducted some investigation on this one. For the less informed internet users, such as myself, this is Trent Miller, a realtor renowned for his fast-paced tours. This video is undeniably chaotic, but I confess, the toilet humor consistently made me chuckle. You’re never too old for a good bathroom joke.
11. New Orleans Pelicans
A degree of self-awareness is valuable. The Pelicans are cognizant of the perceived curse that circulates around them on social media, and they addressed it by showing Trey Murphy doing everything possible to eliminate the bad luck.
10. Orlando Magic
Once again, complexity isn’t essential. Jalen Suggs is shown feeding puppies from cups adorned with the logos of the Magic’s 2025-26 opponents. An easy win.
9. Memphis Grizzlies
This was a creative concept implemented by the Grizzlies for the 2025-26 season, commemorating their 25th year in Memphis. It showcased longtime season ticket holders while displaying highlights from some of the franchise’s most memorable moments.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
I am a fan of hydraulic press videos, and this one included several clever jokes. Using the Cowboys helmet to represent the Lakers was hilarious, and the “Degrassi” clip for the Raptors was even better.
7. Brooklyn Nets
Again, simplicity can be effective. This was a commendable strategy by the Nets to publicize their schedule while also fostering community ties. Touring the borough was interesting.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
This exemplifies how to execute a (gentle) rookie hazing video. Kawhi Leonard contacts Yanic Konan Niederhauser and directs him to conduct a man-on-the-street style announcement. Niederhauser blocking a young child’s layup attempt was the high point.
5. Chicago Bulls
This was very entertaining, closely resembling the quality we’ve come to anticipate from NFL schedule release videos. The Bulls executed several clever gags at the expense of LeBron, Woj, and the Dwyane Wade statue in Miami.
4. Phoenix Suns
The Suns opted to surprise individuals at the pet adoption center by covering their adoption fees. Subsequently, they presented the schedule. Sweet. Touching. Sufficient for me.
3. Portland Trail Blazers
The Trailblazers used a similar strategy as the Suns, but involving cats. Portland also seamlessly integrated the schedule release, and it even featured a brilliant reference to Charlie Murphy’s legendary basketball game with Prince.
2. Washington Wizards
The Wizards couldn’t secure a genuine wizard, but they settled for the next best option. This Christophe Fox fellow might possess genuine supernatural abilities, given that some of his actions in this video baffled me.
1. Boston Celtics
Originality. Playful digs at rivals. High-profile celebrity involvement. The Celtics’ schedule release video, which depicted each 2025-26 opponent as a sandwich, incorporated all of these elements. This represented a substantial improvement over last year’s video, which was ranked 21st.
