The defending NBA champion New York Knicks will obtain a serious highlight to start the 2026-27 season, with high-profile video games scheduled for each Opening Night time and Christmas Day.
New York will open its title protection towards LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Sq. Backyard on Oct. 20. Earlier than the sport, the Knicks will elevate their first championship banner since 1973 and obtain their rings.
The matchup will even mark the Philadelphia debuts of James and Jaylen Brown following the Sixers’ main offseason strikes. The sport is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on NBC.
On Christmas Day, the Knicks will welcome Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs again to MSG for a rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals. New York defeated San Antonio in Recreation 5 to seize the championship.
The groups additionally produced a memorable Christmas matchup in 2024, when Mikal Bridges scored 41 factors in a 117-114 Knicks victory. Wembanyama completed with 42 factors, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks.
This season’s Christmas assembly will start the NBA’s vacation schedule at midday on ABC/ESPN. Later, James and the 76ers will go to the Lakers in Los Angeles.
The Knicks will even journey to Boston on Oct. 23 for a nationally televised matchup towards the Celtics. Will probably be their first sport towards former teammate Mitchell Robinson, who joined Boston after spending eight seasons in New York.
After profitable their first championship in 53 years, the Knicks will now start their title protection with their banner ceremony at MSG and two marquee video games in the course of the opening week.
Knicks get LeBron James, 76ers to open title protection as NBA schedule begins leaking out https://t.co/fVkvunDUJE pic.twitter.com/IVphZZ0dbN
— New York Publish (@nypost) August 11, 2026
