On Wednesday, it was announced that the NBA's 2026-27 schedule is set to be released sometime next week, meaning the reigning champion New York Knicks will soon learn what their title-defense journey will look like. However, though the season's tip-off may be the closest on the docket, it's by no means the most exhilarating and buzzed-about game. That distinction, of course, belongs to the annual Christmas Day slate, and, when it comes to the Knicks' presumed participation in the illustrious event, there seems to be one logical foe for them to face off against. The Philadelphia 76ers. NBA must have Knicks, 76ers square off on Christmas DayThe Knicks and 76ers are direct divisional rivals who have a long-standing history of duking it out on the primetime stage.