Knicks Host Star-Studded 76ers in Season Opener

The 2026–27 NBA season opens with the defending-champion New York Knicks hosting a Philadelphia 76ers team featuring new additions LeBron James and Jaylen Brown alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. James, entering his record 24th season after considering retirement, is pursuing a title with a fourth franchise; a championship in Philadelphia would be his first there and end the 76ers’ title drought dating to 1983. Philadelphia is an early championship favorite, though former NBA champion Shawn Marion questioned whether its high-usage stars can share the ball and find effective roles. Coach Nick Nurse has stressed focus and execution in close games, while James enters the opener with a history of losing his first game with a new team. Golden State’s Jimmy Butler said the Warriors would “give them hell” when they meet Philadelphia; he has resumed running and jogging while recovering from a torn ACL that ended his 2025–26 season, with no return timetable given.