LeBron James’ First Game With Philadelphia 76ers Will Be Against Defending Champion Knicks

LeBron James

LeBron James’ First Game With Philadelphia 76ers Will Be Against Defending Champion Knicks

LeBron James’ new era in Philadelphia will officially begin on one of the NBA’s biggest stages.

The NBA has revealed its opening-night lineup for the 2026-27 season, with James and the Philadelphia 76ers set to take on the defending NBA champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

The highly anticipated matchup will mark James’ first regular-season game in a Sixers uniform following his blockbuster move to Philadelphia. It will also put the NBA superstar in the spotlight as the Knicks celebrate their championship and begin their title defense in front of their home crowd.

The matchup is one of three games scheduled for the league’s opening-night tripleheader. The Boston Celtics will visit the Detroit Pistons in the afternoon, followed by Philadelphia taking on New York. The night will close with the Oklahoma City Thunder facing the San Antonio Spurs.

All three games are scheduled to air on NBC and Peacock, with the Sixers-Knicks matchup tipping off at 7 p.m. ET.

James won’t be the only major new addition making his Philadelphia debut, as Jaylen Brown is also expected to suit up for the Sixers as the franchise enters the season with a dramatically revamped roster.

Between LeBron beginning his next NBA chapter, the Knicks celebrating their championship and two Eastern Conference contenders meeting immediately, the league appears to be starting the season with plenty of storylines.

Will you be watching opening night?