LeBron James will play his first game with the Philadelphia 76ers on the NBA’s opening night against the NBA champion New York Knicks.
The Oct. 20 game at Madison Square Garden will be part of a tripleheader, when the Knicks raise a banner to celebrate their first championship since 1973 and James then kicks off what he says will be the final stop in his career.
see you in New York.
📺 @NBAonNBCpic.twitter.com/1psiKAoCLa
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) August 11, 2026
This game is quickly becoming one of the most talked about match-ups on social media.
“I figured Sixers-Knicks is going to be the biggest game of the year,” said Bob Harlowe, of Center City.
“If I’m in the states, I’ll be at the game; if not, I’m already rooting for the Sixers,” said Jalil Myers.
“I think we should beat them. It’s going to be at Madison Square Garden, going to be a lot riding on it,” said Rick Jones.
On Oct. 22, they’ll take on the Cleveland Cavaliers – James’ first team, and another rumored contender for his talents this season – for the home opener in South Philly. The game will air on ESPN.
a south Philly showdown. 😤
📺: @espnpic.twitter.com/aZhwfDWpqH
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) August 11, 2026
Two months later, on Christmas Day, James will face off against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and his son Bronny James.
Christmas Day in LA.
📺: ABC/ESPN pic.twitter.com/nCcg6FCSE6
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) August 11, 2026
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The NBA unveiled those games Tuesday morning as what it called a “sneak peek” at the 2026-27 schedule. The full schedule will be released Thursday.
Fans say there are high expectations for how the team will perform.
“Once Brown came over, we already got one of the best rookies, one of the best point guards, obviously one of the best centers,” said Myers. “Sixers due for the championship. City due for a championship, already got one for Eagles and Phillies. Think Sixers last one on board. Nice to get one from them.”
The season begins with the Boston Celtics visiting Detroit in a rare 3 p.m. EDT start for a midweek game. The tripleheader is capped by the Spurs hosting Oklahoma City in a rematch of the Western Conference finals.
LeBron James announced in July his decision to join the 76ers after spending eight seasons with the Lakers.
RELATED: Eagles’ Hurts and Barkley welcome LeBron, believe James is great for Philadelphia sports
The four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP wrote on social media of his decision, “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.
His decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers puts him on a roster with all-stars Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey.
RELATED: Inside LeBron James’ decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers
LeBron James, also the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, citing his agent, Rich Paul.
LeBron James’ first season with the 76ers will be his 24th season in the NBA.
Action News’ Nydia Han is here with details and advice for people looking to buy tickets without breaking the bank.
The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.
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