NBA Announces 2026-27 Season Schedule as Knicks and Spurs Face Opening Tests

The NBA has announced the schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 season, with several highly anticipated games set to headline the opening round of the new campaign.

The new season is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 20, according to local time, with the opening fixtures featuring some of the league's biggest teams and stars.

The New York Knicks will begin the defence of their NBA title against the Philadelphia 76ers in one of the most notable games of the opening round. Philadelphia have strengthened their squad with the recent additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, setting up a major early test for the reigning champions.

Knicks begin title defence against Philadelphia

New York will enter the new season as defending champions and will immediately face a Philadelphia team that has made significant additions to its roster.

The arrival of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown gives the 76ers an eye-catching look heading into the campaign, while the Knicks will be determined to begin their title defence with a strong performance.

Spurs and Thunder renew Western Conference rivalry

Elsewhere, NBA runners-up San Antonio Spurs will face Oklahoma City Thunder in a major Western Conference showdown.

The fixture will also serve as a repeat of last season's Western Conference final, adding further interest to one of the opening round's most anticipated matchups.

With the league schedule now announced, the new NBA season is set to begin with a series of high-profile fixtures, including the champions' opening test and a renewed battle between two leading teams from the Western Conference.