NBA

Knicks set to battle Sixers and LeBron in exciting NBA tripleheader matchup.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 11, 2026, 18:59 IST

On Tuesday, the NBA revealed its schedule for opening week, Christmas Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, starting with a tripleheader on October 20.

Knicks set to battle Sixers and LeBron in exciting NBA tripleheader matchup.

The New York Knicks are set to unveil their championship banner on October 20, marking the NBA's Opening Night with a highly anticipated matchup against LeBron James and the newly revamped Philadelphia 76ers. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET, as announced by the league on Tuesday. This season opener is part of a tripleheader, which kicks off with the Boston Celtics facing the Detroit Pistons at 3 p.m. ET, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET, a rematch from last season's Western Conference Finals.

The 76ers, who have undergone significant changes during the offseason with the additions of James, 41, and Jaylen Brown, are looking to rebound after being swept 4-0 by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals last year. Meanwhile, the Spurs managed to eliminate the Thunder in a thrilling seven-game series on Oklahoma City's home court. The Celtics, who faced an early exit in the first round of the playoffs last season, will be eager to start fresh against the Pistons, who made it to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Exciting Opening Week Ahead

The opening week of the NBA season promises to be action-packed, featuring a pair of doubleheaders. Notably, Giannis Antetokounmpo will make his debut with the Miami Heat against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 21. That same day, the Golden State Warriors will visit the Los Angeles Lakers. The following day, October 22, will see the Cleveland Cavaliers face the 76ers and the Denver Nuggets go up against the Thunder. Additionally, two more games are scheduled for October 23, with the Knicks visiting the Celtics at 7 p.m. ET and the Houston Rockets playing the Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Christmas Day Matchups Announced

The NBA has also revealed its Christmas Day schedule, featuring five games on ABC. A highlight of the day will be James facing off against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Other notable matchups include the Spurs taking on the Knicks, the Heat facing the Celtics, the Thunder battling the Timberwolves, and the Denver Nuggets squaring off against the Warriors. This year, the Knicks will participate in their record 59th Christmas game, a tradition that dates back to 1947 when the league held its inaugural Christmas matchup at Madison Square Garden. Last Christmas, the Knicks hosted the Spurs, where Victor Wembanyama made a memorable debut, scoring 42 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, despite the Spurs' loss. James will be making his 21st Christmas appearance in his 24th NBA season, while Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will play in his third Christmas game, and Lakers star Luka Doncic will be featured for the sixth time on this festive day.