The New York Knicks will begin their title defense by hosting LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers on October 20, according to reports detailing the upcoming NBA schedule. The game is also expected to feature the raising of the Knicks' latest championship banner.
James, who signed with the 76ers during the offseason, joins a team that has undergone significant changes. Philadelphia acquired star Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics to complement their existing core of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe. This strengthened 76ers roster is anticipated to be one of the primary challengers to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference.
In addition to the marquee matchup in New York, the NBA season's opening slate is also expected to include the San Antonio Spurs hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder on the same night. The Spurs were the Knicks' opponents in the NBA Finals, which New York won in five games.
The 2026-27 NBA campaign is also slated to begin with an afternoon game, as the Detroit Pistons will host the Boston Celtics.