NBA Schedule 2026-27: Sixers, Knicks, Spurs
Updated August 14, 2026: The NBA has officially released its 2026-27 regular-season schedule, giving basketball fans a complete look at the biggest games, opening-night matchups, Christmas Day showdowns, NBA Cup dates and notable team returns. The season begins on October 20, 2026, with the defending champion New York Knicks hosting the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
NBA Schedule 2026-27 Officially Released
The NBA unveiled its full 2026-27 regular-season schedule on August 13, 2026. The announcement revealed the league-wide schedule, including nationally televised games, Christmas Day matchups, NBA Cup group-play dates and several highly anticipated player returns. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
The regular season begins Tuesday, October 20, and the schedule is immediately highlighted by the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks hosting the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. On the same night, the San Antonio Spurs host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a rematch of last season's Western Conference Finals. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
76ers Schedule 2026-27: Season Opens at Knicks
Philadelphia's 2026-27 schedule begins with one of the biggest possible tests. The 76ers travel to Madison Square Garden on October 20 to face the defending champion Knicks. ([libertyballers.com](https://www.libertyballers.com/76ers-schedule/97359/philadelphia-sixers-regular-season-schedule-lebron-james-jaylen-brown-joel-embiid))
Philadelphia then hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 22 in its home opener at Wells Fargo Center. ([libertyballers.com](https://www.libertyballers.com/76ers-schedule/97359/philadelphia-sixers-regular-season-schedule-lebron-james-jaylen-brown-joel-embiid))
The Sixers' schedule is attracting unusual attention because the team enters the season with a dramatically reshaped roster that includes LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. ([libertyballers.com](https://www.libertyballers.com/76ers-schedule/97359/philadelphia-sixers-regular-season-schedule-lebron-james-jaylen-brown-joel-embiid))
Christmas Day will provide another marquee opportunity for Philadelphia. The 76ers are scheduled to visit the Los Angeles Lakers, creating one of the most anticipated games of the holiday slate. ([libertyballers.com](https://www.libertyballers.com/76ers-schedule/97359/philadelphia-sixers-regular-season-schedule-lebron-james-jaylen-brown-joel-embiid))
Knicks Schedule 2026-27: Defending Champions Start at Home
The New York Knicks begin their championship-defense campaign on October 20 against Philadelphia at Madison Square Garden. The game will also serve as the Knicks' championship banner and ring ceremony night. ([postingandtoasting.com](https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-schedule/88677/important-quirks-dates-and-games-in-the-knicks-2026-27-schedule))
The matchup immediately puts two major Eastern Conference contenders against each other. Philadelphia arrives with major new additions, while New York enters the season as the reigning NBA champion.
The Knicks have also been given one of the league's most prominent nationally televised schedules, with 34 nationally televised games, the maximum allowed. Philadelphia, the Lakers and San Antonio also reportedly received 34 nationally televised games. ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2026/08/13/sports/breaking-down-the-knicks-2026-27-schedule/))
The Knicks will face another major championship-level test on Christmas Day, when San Antonio visits New York for a rematch between last season's NBA finalists. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
Knicks vs Spurs: Christmas Day Finals Rematch
One of the biggest games on the 2026-27 NBA schedule is the San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks on Christmas Day. The matchup gives fans a rematch of the previous season's NBA Finals. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
New York will host the Christmas matchup at Madison Square Garden, making the game one of the league's most valuable regular-season television windows.
The teams will meet again in San Antonio on March 7, 2027, giving each franchise a home game in the season series. ([expressnews.com](https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/ten-dates-worth-circling-spurs-new-schedule-22387232.php))
Spurs Schedule 2026-27: Opening Against Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs begin their regular season on October 20 at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The matchup is particularly significant because it is a rematch of the Western Conference Finals. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
San Antonio will also face Houston on October 23 in Austin at the Moody Center. The game is part of the NBA's opening week schedule and will be streamed nationally on Amazon Prime. ([houstonchronicle.com](https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/nba-schedule-opening-weekend-spurs-22383183.php))
The Spurs' 2026-27 schedule also includes international games against the New Orleans Pelicans in January. San Antonio will play New Orleans in Paris on January 14, 2027, followed by another meeting in Manchester on January 17. ([nba.com](https://api-hub.nba.com/news/key-dates))
NBA Schedule Release: Biggest Opening-Night Games
The NBA designed opening night to immediately showcase several of the league's biggest stories.
| Date | Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 20, 2026 | 76ers at Knicks | Knicks championship opener |
| Oct. 20, 2026 | Thunder at Spurs | Western Conference Finals rematch |
The opening-night slate puts the Knicks and Spurs immediately back into major spotlight games after their championship-level performances the previous season.
NBA Christmas Day Schedule 2026
Christmas Day once again features some of the NBA's most recognizable franchises. The headline matchup is the Spurs at Knicks, a Finals rematch at Madison Square Garden. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
Philadelphia will also be featured on Christmas, visiting the Los Angeles Lakers. The game is expected to receive enormous attention because of LeBron James' connection to Los Angeles after joining the Sixers. ([libertyballers.com](https://www.libertyballers.com/76ers-schedule/97359/philadelphia-sixers-regular-season-schedule-lebron-james-jaylen-brown-joel-embiid))
Key Christmas Matchups
- Spurs at Knicks — NBA Finals rematch
- 76ers at Lakers — LeBron James returns to Los Angeles
- Heat at Celtics — Eastern Conference spotlight
- Thunder at Timberwolves — Western Conference matchup
- Nuggets at Warriors — high-profile Western matchup
([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
NBA Cup 2026: Important Dates
The Emirates NBA Cup is again part of the regular season. Group play begins in late October and runs through November, with the knockout rounds scheduled for December. ([nba.com](https://www.nba.com/news/key-dates?os=apprefDapp))
The NBA lists October 30 as the opening date for NBA Cup group play, with group play concluding on November 27. Quarterfinals are scheduled for December 4-5, semifinals for December 8 and/or 9, and the championship game for December 11 in Indianapolis. ([nba.com](https://api-hub.nba.com/news/key-dates))
For the Knicks, their group includes Philadelphia, Indiana, Cleveland and Miami, creating one of the more difficult NBA Cup groups on the schedule. ([postingandtoasting.com](https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-schedule/88677/important-quirks-dates-and-games-in-the-knicks-2026-27-schedule))
The Spurs are in West Group C, with NBA Cup pool games scheduled against Sacramento, Golden State, Portland and the Los Angeles Lakers. ([expressnews.com](https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/find-spurs-nba-cup-schedule-22385142.php))
Major Sixers Dates to Watch
Philadelphia's schedule contains several dates that could become defining moments of the season.
| Date | Game | Why Fans Will Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 20 | 76ers at Knicks | Season opener |
| Oct. 22 | Cavaliers at 76ers | Philadelphia home opener |
| Dec. 25 | 76ers at Lakers | LeBron James returns to Los Angeles |
| Jan. 21 | 76ers at Celtics | Jaylen Brown returns to Boston |
The January 21 meeting in Boston is particularly notable because former Celtics star Jaylen Brown is now with Philadelphia. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
Key Knicks Games on the 2026-27 Schedule
New York's schedule contains several games that should attract national attention throughout the season.
| Date | Opponent | Key Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 20 | Philadelphia 76ers | Championship opener |
| Nov. 22 | Indiana Pacers | Tyrese Haliburton return |
| Nov. 27 | Miami Heat | Giannis Antetokounmpo matchup |
| Dec. 25 | San Antonio Spurs | NBA Finals rematch |
| Mar. 14 | Boston Celtics | Mitchell Robinson return storyline |
The Knicks' schedule includes 13 back-to-backs and a difficult December stretch that could become an important test of their championship defense. ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2026/08/13/sports/breaking-down-the-knicks-2026-27-schedule/))
Key Spurs Games on the 2026-27 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Key Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 20 | Oklahoma City Thunder | Western Conference Finals rematch |
| Oct. 23 | Houston Rockets | Game in Austin |
| Dec. 25 | New York Knicks | NBA Finals rematch |
| Jan. 14 | New Orleans Pelicans | NBA Paris Game |
| Jan. 17 | New Orleans Pelicans | NBA Manchester Game |
| Mar. 7 | New York Knicks | Return Finals matchup in San Antonio |
NBA International Games in 2027
The 2026-27 calendar includes major international games featuring the San Antonio Spurs. The team will face the New Orleans Pelicans in Paris on January 14 and in Manchester on January 17. ([nba.com](https://api-hub.nba.com/news/key-dates))
Those games are part of the NBA's continuing international expansion and give European fans the chance to watch regular-season NBA basketball in major markets outside North America.
When Does the 2026-27 NBA Season Start?
The 2026-27 NBA regular season begins on October 20, 2026. The opening night features the Philadelphia 76ers at the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at the San Antonio Spurs. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
NBA preseason action begins earlier in October, while the Emirates NBA Cup group stage gets underway on October 30. ([nba.com](https://www.nba.com/news/key-dates?os=apprefDapp))
NBA Schedule 2026-27: Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular season begins | October 20, 2026 |
| NBA Cup group play begins | October 30, 2026 |
| NBA Mexico City Game | November 7, 2026 |
| NBA Cup group play concludes | November 27, 2026 |
| NBA Cup Championship | December 11, 2026 |
| NBA Paris Game | January 14, 2027 |
| NBA Manchester Game | January 17, 2027 |
| NBA All-Star 2027 | February 19-21, 2027 |
([nba.com](https://www.nba.com/news/key-dates?os=apprefDapp))
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the NBA 2026-27 schedule released?
The NBA released the 2026-27 regular-season schedule on August 13, 2026. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
When do the 76ers start the 2026-27 season?
Philadelphia opens the season on October 20, 2026, visiting the New York Knicks. ([libertyballers.com](https://www.libertyballers.com/76ers-schedule/97359/philadelphia-sixers-regular-season-schedule-lebron-james-jaylen-brown-joel-embiid))
When do the Knicks start the 2026-27 season?
The Knicks open at home against Philadelphia on October 20, 2026. The game also serves as their championship banner and ring night. ([postingandtoasting.com](https://www.postingandtoasting.com/knicks-schedule/88677/important-quirks-dates-and-games-in-the-knicks-2026-27-schedule))
When do the Spurs start the 2026-27 season?
San Antonio opens at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 20, 2026. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
Who do the Knicks play on Christmas Day?
The Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day in a rematch of the previous season's NBA Finals. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
Who do the 76ers play on Christmas Day?
The 76ers visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day. ([libertyballers.com](https://www.libertyballers.com/76ers-schedule/97359/philadelphia-sixers-regular-season-schedule-lebron-james-jaylen-brown-joel-embiid))
When is the Spurs vs Knicks Christmas game?
The Spurs visit the Knicks on December 25, 2026. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
When does the NBA Cup start?
NBA Cup group play begins on October 30, 2026. ([nba.com](https://www.nba.com/news/key-dates?os=apprefDapp))
Final Takeaway
The release of the 2026-27 NBA schedule has immediately created a long list of must-watch games. The season opens with Philadelphia visiting the defending champion Knicks, while San Antonio hosts Oklahoma City. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-releases-2026-27-regular-season-schedule--flm-2026-08-13/))
For the 76ers, the biggest early storylines include the Knicks opener, the Cleveland home opener, the Christmas visit to the Lakers and Jaylen Brown's return to Boston. For New York, the Christmas Finals rematch against San Antonio stands out. The Spurs also have major international games in Paris and Manchester in January.
With the full schedule now public, NBA fans can begin planning the 2026-27 season around the league's biggest rivalries, returns, nationally televised games and championship-level matchups.
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