The 2026-27 NBA season tips off with an Opening Night doubleheader, projected for Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The official matchups lock in with the full schedule release in mid-August 2026. Below are the projected games, expected tip windows, how to watch, and a free printable opener card you can fill in when the schedule drops.
- When: Projected Tuesday, October 20, 2026 (locks with the schedule release).
- Format: Season-opening doubleheader.
- How to watch: Opener expected on NBC and Peacock.
- Official reveal: Matchups expected mid-August 2026. A printable card is below.
2026-27 NBA Opening Night Matchups (Projected)
The league has not yet announced the official Opening Night doubleheader. The table below shows the projected matchups and expected tip windows. We’ll update it with the confirmed games, tip times and networks the moment the 2026-27 schedule is released (expected mid-August 2026).
| Game | Time (ET) | Projected Matchup | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Early) | 7:30 PM | Philadelphia 76ers @ New York Knicks | NBC / Peacock |
| 2 (Nightcap) | 10:00 PM | Oklahoma City Thunder @ San Antonio Spurs | NBC / Peacock |
Projected matchups via CBS Sports predictions and are not yet official. By tradition, the defending champion hosts an Opening Night game. Times and networks are subject to change.
When Is the 2026-27 NBA Schedule Released?
The full 2026-27 NBA schedule, including Opening Night, is expected to be released in mid-to-late August 2026, with the marquee Christmas Day games often revealed a few days earlier. See our NBA schedule release guide, the 2026-27 NBA schedule hub, and our NBA Christmas Day 2026 slate.
How to Watch NBA Opening Night
Under the NBA’s national-TV deal, opening week is carried across NBC/Peacock, ABC/ESPN and Prime Video. The season-opening Tuesday doubleheader is expected on NBC and Peacock; the confirmed networks post with the schedule release.
Related: NBA Christmas Day Schedule 2026 · 2026-27 NBA Schedule (Printable, PDF, TV).
