Photo: Peter Baba

The defending NBA champion New York Knicks will receive a major spotlight to begin the 2026-27 season, with high-profile games scheduled for both Opening Night and Christmas Day.

New York will open its title defense against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 20. Before the game, the Knicks will raise their first championship banner since 1973 and receive their rings.

The matchup will also mark the Philadelphia debuts of James and Jaylen Brown following the Sixers’ major offseason moves. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on NBC.

On Christmas Day, the Knicks will welcome Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs back to MSG for a rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals. New York defeated San Antonio in Game 5 to capture the championship.

The teams also produced a memorable Christmas matchup in 2024, when Mikal Bridges scored 41 points in a 117-114 Knicks victory. Wembanyama finished with 42 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks.

This season’s Christmas meeting will begin the NBA’s holiday schedule at noon on ABC/ESPN. Later, James and the 76ers will visit the Lakers in Los Angeles.

The Knicks will also travel to Boston on Oct. 23 for a nationally televised matchup against the Celtics. It will be their first game against former teammate Mitchell Robinson, who joined Boston after spending eight seasons in New York.

After winning their first championship in 53 years, the Knicks will now begin their title defense with their banner ceremony at MSG and two marquee games during the opening week.

Knicks get LeBron James, 76ers to open title defense as NBA schedule starts leaking out https://t.co/fVkvunDUJE pic.twitter.com/IVphZZ0dbN