One of the biggest shocks is that the 76ers will not play the Celtics on Christmas or opening night. Instead, the 76ers are scheduled to play the New York Knicks on opening night and the Lakers on Christmas Day. NBA Schedule Release presented by @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/0qep3dyAvw — NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 11, 2026Faced up against the champsAs the second game of opening night, Philly will play at 7 p.m. EST on NBC and Peacock. The 76ers will have a chance to get some early revenge after the Knicks swept them in the 2026 Eastern Conference Semifinals. On paper, the new-look Sixers team outweighs the Lakers in terms of talent.