LeBron to make Sixers debut against defending champion Knicks on opening night

BASKETBALL / NBA

LeBron to make Sixers debut against defending champion Knicks on opening night

LeBron James (23), seen playing for the Lakers in a game against the Thunder in May, will make his Sixers debut against the Knicks on the opening night of the NBA season on Oct. 20. | IMAGN IMAGES / VIA REUTERS

AFP-JIJI

Aug 12, 2026

New York – LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers will try to spoil the New York Knicks’ celebration of last season’s crown when the NBA tips off its 81st season on Oct.?20.

The NBA announced several key games on Tuesday ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, which begins with a three-game slate featuring James with his new club to launch his record 24th NBA season.

The schedule begins with an afternoon contest sending the Boston Celtics on the road to face the Detroit Piston,?matching last season’s Eastern Conference regular-season champion Detroit (60-22) against runner-up Boston (56-26).