The NBA has confirmed its opening night schedule for the 2026-27 season, with reigning champions the New York Knicks set to raise their championship banner before taking on LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Knicks will host the revamped Sixers at Madison Square Garden on October 20, marking James’ first regular-season game for Philadelphia following his summer move from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Opening night begins with an Eastern Conference clash between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons before concluding with a Western Conference Finals rematch between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.

Philadelphia head into the new campaign with renewed expectations after adding James and Jaylen Brown during the offseason. However, the Sixers were swept 4-0 by the Knicks in last season’s Eastern Conference semi-finals.

The Spurs, meanwhile, eliminated Oklahoma City in seven games during last season’s Western Conference Finals to book their place in the NBA Finals.

On October 22, the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Philadelphia, while the Denver Nuggets visit Oklahoma City.

Christmas Day schedule released

The NBA also unveiled its Christmas Day schedule, with five games set to be shown.

LeBron James will face the Lakers, while the Spurs meet the Knicks, the Heat take on the Celtics, the Thunder face the Timberwolves and the Nuggets play the Warriors.

The Knicks will make their NBA-record 59th Christmas Day appearance, continuing a tradition that began in 1947 with the league’s first festive fixture at Madison Square Garden.

James is set for his record-extending 21st Christmas Day appearance as he enters his 24th NBA season.

The NBA is expected to release the full 2026-27 regular-season schedule on Thursday.