The 2026-27 NBA season tips off Tuesday, October 20, with three games on NBC and Peacock: Celtics at Pistons at 3 p.m. ET, 76ers at Knicks at 7 p.m. ET and Thunder at Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET. The defending champion Knicks will raise their first banner since 1973 before their game.
What is the NBA opening night schedule?
| Time (ET) | Game | Venue | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3:00 p.m. | Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons | Little Caesars Arena | NBC, Peacock |
| 7:00 p.m. | Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks | Madison Square Garden | NBC, Peacock |
| 9:30 p.m. | Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs | Frost Bank Center | NBC, Peacock |
Opening night starts in the afternoon. According to NBC Sports, Detroit and Boston finished first and second in the East last season.
What should I watch for in 76ers vs. Knicks?
New York's banner night. NBC Sports reports the Knicks will raise their first championship banner since 1973 and receive their rings at Madison Square Garden. They kept all five starters from the title team, and Jalen Brunson was Finals MVP.
Philadelphia's new look. The 76ers made the biggest moves of the offseason: they traded Paul George for Jaylen Brown and signed LeBron James (our story on the signing). According to ESPN, they now join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Oddsmakers still list the Knicks as 5.5-point favorites, partly because new superteams often need time to come together.
Why is Thunder vs. Spurs the late game?
It's a rematch of last spring's West final, which San Antonio won in Game 7 in Oklahoma City. The Spurs then lost the Finals to the Knicks.
Both teams are back as co-favorites for the title (+270 at DraftKings), according to ESPN. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two-time reigning MVP, is trying to become the fourth player to win three straight. Victor Wembanyama is the betting favorite for MVP.
What NBA games are on Wednesday, October 21?
| Time (ET) | Game | TV |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 p.m. | Hawks at Magic; Bucks at Wizards | Local |
| 7:30 p.m. | Timberwolves at Heat | ESPN |
| 7:30 p.m. | Hornets at Nets; Bulls at Raptors | Local |
| 8:00 p.m. | Jazz at Grizzlies; Pacers at Pelicans | Local |
| 8:30 p.m. | Mavericks at Rockets | Local |
| 10:00 p.m. | Warriors at Lakers | ESPN |
| 10:00 p.m. | Suns at Trail Blazers | Local |
| 10:30 p.m. | Kings at Clippers | Local |
Wednesday is Giannis Antetokounmpo's first regular-season game with Miami, against Minnesota. Washington's No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa sprained his ankle in the preseason finale; Wizards coach Brian Keefe called it mild, and the team opens against Milwaukee.
What are the key dates for the 2026-27 NBA season?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct. 30 | NBA Cup group play begins |
| Dec. 11 | NBA Cup championship |
| Dec. 25 | Five Christmas Day games |
| Jan. 26-30 | NBA Rivals Week |
| Feb. 19-21 | All-Star 2027, Phoenix |
| April 11 | Regular season ends |
For title odds and expert picks, see our 2026-27 NBA predictions.
