Albert Bainbridge IVNorthJersey.com
Oct. 16, 2026, 10:19 a.m. ET
After a four month wait, the NBA is almost back.
The Association tips off with a can’t miss tripleheader on Opening Night to get the regular season started.
First up will be an afternoon matinee between Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics taking on Cade Cunningham and the <a href="https://sportsdata.usatoday.com/basketball/nba/teams/detroit-pistons/8/” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>Detroit Pistons.
Up next will be the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks, who will celebrate their championship at Madison Square Garden when they host the new-look Philadelphia 76ers led by new acquisitions this offseason in LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
The first day of the regular season will conclude with a can’t miss Western Conference Finals rematch between Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs welcoming in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Here’s what you need to know on when the NBA season starts and how to watch, stream and our predictions for the Opening Night tripleheader:
When does 2026-27 NBA season start?
- Date: Tuesday, Oct. 20
NBA Opening Night schedule
Tuesday, Oct. 20
- Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons, 3 p.m., NBC
- Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks, 7 p.m., NBC
- Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs, 9:30 p.m., NBC
What channel is NBA Opening Night on?
- TV: NBC
How to stream NBA Opening Night
- Streaming: Peacock
NBA betting lines for Friday, Oct. 16
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Oct. 16:
Celtics vs Pistons odds
Moneyline: Pistons (-115), Celtics (-105)
Knicks vs Sixers odds
Moneyline: Knicks (-210), Sixers (+170)
Thunder vs Spurs odds
Moneyline: Spurs (-135), Thunder (+110)
Who will win on NBA Opening Night? Our predictions
Pistons 111, Celtics 103
Knicks 118, Sixers 114
Thunder 107, Spurs 101
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