2026-27 NBA Opening Night Tripleheader: Knicks, LeBron, and Western Finals Rematch, schedule, teams, times, how to watch, tv channel

The New York Knicks will open the defense of their NBA championship against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Madison Square Garden.The opening-night schedule was revealed on NBC’s Today show and features a tripleheader.

The Knicks, who captured their first title in 53 years by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the 2026 NBA Finals, tip off their title defense on NBC and Peacock.

When is the Opening NBA Tip-Off Games 2026-27?

The NBA will tip off its 2026-27 season on NBC and Peacock on Tuesday, Oct. 20 with two games.

Who is playing in the NBA Opening Night Games?

Opening Night Schedule

3:00 p.m. ET: Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons

7:00 p.m. ET: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks

(Championship banner ceremony before tip-off) — Broadcast on NBC and Peacock

Nightcap: Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs

The Knicks open their title defense at Madison Square Garden against the 76ers, who feature new additions LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.

NBA Tip-Off: Opening Night TV Schedule, Teams, Start-Times.

Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons: 3:00 p.m. ET

Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks: 7:00 p.m. ET

What channel is the NBA Opening night game on?

The Opening Night doubleheader – featuring the NBA on NBC National Television for the Second time in more than two decades

Who is the Favorite in NBA Opening Night games?

NBA Opening Night 2026-27 Betting Favorites

Early betting lines for the October 20, 2026 opening night tripleheader (via Action Network and available market data):

Current Favorites

Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks

Favorite: New York Knicks (-4.5)

The defending champions are early favorites at home on banner-raising night against LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and the 76ers.

Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs

Favorite: San Antonio Spurs (-1.5)

The Spurs are slight home favorites in the rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals against the Thunder and two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

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