Ranking All NBA Opening Week National TV Games for 2026-27 Worst to First
The NBA released its nationally televised schedule for opening week and Christmas Day on August 11, 2026. The slate highlights several marquee teams, including the defending champion New York Knicks, the star-loaded Philadelphia 76ers (with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown), and the Western Conference powers Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.While none of the matchups are weak, here is a ranking of the nationally televised opening week games from worst to first. All times Eastern.
9. Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers
Wednesday, October 21 | 10:00 p.m. | ESPN
This rivalry has always felt somewhat forced. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, the long-running James-Stephen Curry narrative is gone. The potential absence of Jimmy Butler (recovering from a torn ACL suffered in January) further dims the appeal.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers
Thursday, October 22 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN
This will be the Sixers’ second game of the season, so the novelty of the new-look roster will have already faded slightly. The Cavaliers are largely running it back. Still, it could preview a battle for positioning near the top of the Eastern Conference.
7. Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons
Tuesday, October 20 | 3:00 p.m. | NBC / Peacock
The matchup itself is solid, but the afternoon time slot is unusual for a season opener. Traditionally, the defending champion gets the spotlight. This early tip risks being overshadowed by the later primetime games, especially the Knicks’ banner ceremony.
6. Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs
Friday, October 23 | 9:30 p.m. | Prime Video
Houston underperformed last season largely due to point-guard issues. A healthy Fred VanVleet could stabilize the roster. A road test against the Spurs will serve as an early measuring stick for both teams.
5. Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder
Thursday, October 22 | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
Any game featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić—winners of five of the last six MVP awards—is appointment television. Denver is looking to rebound from a first-round exit, while Oklahoma City aims to reassert its dominance in the West.
4. New York Knicks at Boston Celtics
Friday, October 23 | 7:00 p.m. | Prime Video
This regional rivalry always delivers. It will also offer an early look at how the Celtics adjust after the Jaylen Brown trade, with Jayson Tatum shouldering even more responsibility. Boston’s home opener against the champions carries extra weight.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves at Miami Heat
Wednesday, October 21 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
High intrigue surrounds both teams. This marks Giannis Antetokounmpo’s debut under Erik Spoelstra in Miami and the first look at LaMelo Ball alongside Anthony Edwards in Minnesota. Both squads have upside to climb in their respective conferences.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs
Tuesday, October 20 | 9:30 p.m. | NBC / Peacock
One of the league’s best current rivalries. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs got the better of the Thunder last season in both the regular season and playoffs. A healthy Oklahoma City side makes this a premier early-season showdown between the top two teams in the West.
1. Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks
Tuesday, October 20 | 7:00 p.m. | NBC / Peacock
The clear centerpiece of opening week. The Knicks will raise their first championship banner in 53 years and receive their rings at Madison Square Garden. Across the floor sits a transformed Sixers roster featuring LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. It is the first major test of Philadelphia’s offseason overhaul against the defending champions.
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