The New York Knicks won’t have a cakewalk to kick off their defense of the NBA title. It was announced by the league that the Knicks will open up the 2026-27 season at home against the new-look Philadelphia 76ers, who added star forwards LeBron James and Jaylen Brown over the offseason. The Knicks bested Philadelphia in four games in that series, though the Sixers look like a completely different team at this point. Jalen Brunson ‘Excited’ to Kick Off Title Defense with Game Against LeBron James, New-Look 76ersThe season-opening matchup with the 76ers drew a reaction from Knicks star guard and reigning Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, who expressed excitement about the matchup. “It’s a new journey for them (the 76ers), for him (LeBron James) and his team, and it should be interesting.”