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 October 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. James, the NBA all-time scoring leader, is a four-time champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player. New York defeated San Antonio four games to one in last season's NBA Finals in the first playoff run for French superstar Victor Wembanyama, whose Spurs will host Oklahoma City in the third game of opening night in the NBA. Oklahoma City, powered by two-time reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, beat the Spurs for the Western Conference regular-season title last season but lost in seven games in the West playoff finals.