The hype is definitely real in Philadelphia as Sixers fans eagerly await the debut of LeBron James in the City of Brotherly Love. WATCH HERE WATCH HERENow, we know the Sixers will take on the NBA Champion New York Knicks to kick off the season on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. The first game of the upcoming NBA season will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, when the Boston Celtics take on the Detroit Pistons. Organizers said it's the first time for a triple-header kickoff to the NBA season on NBC. NBA officials had been waiting for James to determine where he wanted to play in the upcoming season before announcing the full schedule for the season.