When does NBA season start? How to watch Opening Night tripleheader

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

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.

Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it. 

Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming re

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our editorial recommendations are made independently of that compensation.